A SUFFOLK couple have raised nearly �30,000 for research into stillbirth and neonatal death in memory of their son.

A SUFFOLK couple have raised nearly �30,000 for research into stillbirth and neonatal death in memory of their son.

Peter and Lynn Brady started fundraising last year because they did not want other parents to go through the pain they suffered.

Their son Jude was stillborn in 2006, and they set up the Jude Brady Foundation as a lasting legacy to raise money for the charity Sands, which works to raise money for research into stillbirth and neonatal death and support families affected.

Last year a golf day at Ufford Park raised around �9,500, and a similar event this year at Dunston Hall, Norfolk, raised �20,000.

Mr Brady said the family was “absolutely over the moon” at the success and next year's event was already booked.

“Last year we hosted the event here in Suffolk but were keen to spread our wings and encourage new attendees, so we moved up to Dunston Hall, near Norwich,” said Mr Brady.

“Not only were we delighted by the number of people keen to attend, but overwhelmed at the generosity of everybody and the total money raised.

“Both Lynn and I feel that through the Jude Brady Foundation our son's memory will live on. Jude would have been three this year and by starting the foundation he is still very much part of our family.

“Our hope is that we can continue to raise similar money in the future to help fund research that could significantly reduce the numbers of babies dying.”

The couple, of Sevenhills, near Nacton, have a son Travis, five, and a daughter Cerys , 19 months, and are expecting a baby in a month's time.

The Jude Brady Memorial Golf Trophy tournament and black tie reception was attended by more than 200 people.

Mr Brady said the next step was to complete the formalities to turn the foundation into a registered charity, which would open up more fundraising possibilities and hopefully increase support from companies.

Have you been affected by stillbirth? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

FASTFACTS: Stillbirth

Seventeen babies are stillborn every day in the UK or die within the first 28 days of life.

Charity Sands' Why17? Campaign aims to raise �1.7 million to promote changes in antenatal practice and fund research that could reduce the loss of babies' lives.

It also aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of a stillborn baby, or a baby that dies shortly after birth.

In more than 50 per cent of cases of stillbirth, no reason is found to explain the baby's death.

There is a greater risk of a baby being stillborn in twin or multiple pregnancies, women over 35, specific medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or thrombophilia, and where mothers smoke, are obese or come from socially deprived areas.