Mile Cross couple tell of still birth heartbreak

A young couple have told of the incredible support they have had from hospital staff, family and friends after suffering the heartbreak of a stillbirth.

Mile Cross couple Christine Samways, 20, and Darren Horsfall, 23, were excitedly expecting the arrival of their first child in May.

But just 12 days before Miss Samways was due to give birth, they were given the devastating news that their unborn baby had died.

Now the couple have organised a fundraising day in a bid to say thank you for the support they received at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and to help other families who face the heartache of a stillbirth.

The couple were able to spend time with their daughter Daisy-May, who was born on May 16, and to take casts of her hand and footprints, which they have had copied in tattoos to keep her memory alive.

Miss Samways, who works at McDonald's in Asda and lives in Suckling Avenue, said: 'They were really good at the hospital and helped us through it. They let us have our own room with Daisy and half the family came up as well.

'The midwives and doctors could not have been more helpful.'

The couple's parents, Norman and Pauline Samways, and Andrew and Carol Horsfall, as well as their family and friends, have organised a charity football match, which will be at 10am on Saturday, August 6, in Eaton Park, followed by a daisy-themed fun day at the Boundary Pub in Aylsham Road from midday onwards.

The event will include live music, a barbecue, book stall, face-painting, a raffle, bouncy castle, tombola, apple bobbing, a penalty shoot-out and Sumo suits provided by Sesma.

Anyone who can help with donations or raffle prizes should contact Sonia Thompson on 07557 308480.

Do you have a health story for the Evening News? Contact Evening News reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk