Nelson councillor raises cash for poorly babies after daughter's death (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Nelson councillor raises cash for poorly babies after daughter's death

2:00pm Tuesday 7th July 2009

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A TOWN councillor whose daughter died after being born four months early is raising money for a premature babies charity.

Debbie Cragg, who sits on Nelson Town Council, was 16 when she gave birth at 24 weeks to her first child, Atlanta, in 1997.

Following the infant’s death just three days into her short life, Debbie turned to her mother and close friends for support.

After finding out about Bliss, a charity which provides help to premature babies, she has pledged to raise hundreds of pounds for the cause.

The mother-of-three said she decided to begin fundraising as she now feels like she has “moved on” and can contribute something positive.

Debbie, who represents the Clover Hill ward, said she wished she had taken advantage of the care offered by Bliss 11 years ago. She added: “It was terrible at the time.

“I always wanted to do something, but now I can because I’ve got my memories and have moved on.

“Bliss helps so many people with babies that are born early. It’s really important for people in the position I was to have somewhere to turn.”

Debbie has three children, Joseph, five, Channell, six, and Brittany, 10.

On Sunday Debbie led a team of nine people, including Brittany, on a sponsored walk up Pendle Hill, the first in a series of planned fund-raising events.

The group, which also included Whitefield Coun Nadeem Ahmed, set off at 11.30am and completed the challenge at 2.50pm.

As a result of sponsorship they raised around £400 for Bliss, but Debbie said it was just the beginning.

She added: “We’re going out with a bucket collecting spare change in bars and Lava Ignite nightclub, in Burnley, on Saturday.

“I’ve also got other things in the pipeline, like a possible duck race on the canal, and I’m even thinking of doing a support course with Bliss.”

A spokesman for Bliss said: “It is only with the fantastic support of people like Debbie that we are able to ensure the best possible outcomes for sick and premature babies.”

To donate money to Bliss go to the website below.

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