A COUPLE from Darwen who lost their first baby together have turned the tragedy into a fundraising opportunity.

Sarah Paterson, 34, gave birth to Zachary at just 21 weeks after learning he was suffering from a condition that meant he had no kidneys, stomach or bladder.

She and Zachary’s dad, Matthew Tonge, learned the devastating news when they went to hospital for an ‘anomaly scan’ only to be told their unborn son had Potter’s Syndrome.

After losing the child, Sarah and Matthew, of The Meadows, decided to raise money for the charity Friends of Serenity, which supports women who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Samantha, who has two other children, Nicole, 17, and Callum, seven, said: “In hospital we were given a memory box provided by Friends of Serenity.

“It had lots of lovely things that helped us make everlasting memories, such as a memory card to take lots of photos and a hand and foot ink print kit.

“I also gave birth in a room provided by the charity specially designed for parents in our situation.

“The help and care we got really helped us through the most difficult time of our lives and we would like to be able to help others in our position.” Since their devastating day last month, friends and family have rallied round to support the couple, taking part in a variety of charity events including ‘ice bucket challenges’ to so far raise almost £400.

Sarah, a nursery nurse at Les Enfants in Avondale Road, added: “We were absolutely devastated as we were hoping to find out if it was a boy or a girl and instead we were told about Potter’s Syndrome.

“But doing the fundraising has been a bit of therapy for us really and has helped us get through the grieving process.”

Matthew, a production operative at Glisten Confectionery in Blackburn, also has a 12-year-old son called Daniel.

To join in the fundraising or donate to the Friends of Serenity, visit www.goget funding.com/project/zachary -tonge-2