A MOTHER whose youngest son was stillborn on her birthday is helping to organise a cycling challenge in his memory.

Bronagh Thompson and her husband Matthew are raising funds for the three charities which supported them after their third child, Jude was delivered as a full-term stillborn at York Hospital on September 14, last year.

Bronagh said: "I was sat at home and thought my baby was very quiet so decided to pop to the hospital for a check-up.

"Within five minutes I was told there was no heartbeat and from there everything changed. Jude was born sleeping on my birthday the following day."

Bronagh, 35, said she and Matthew, 37, who have a daughter Isla, six and son, Bobby, four, had received vital support from three charities – York SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), 4Louis and Our Angels – following the devastating experience.

"What should have been an immensely happy time in our lives was in fact the worst experience as parents we could have and instead of planning his homecoming we were left planning his funeral," she said.

"It was an horrendous time. You can never put into words what it’s like to leave hospital without your baby.”

With the help of Matthew’s brother Robert, who owns The Stapylton Arms in Wass, the couple, who live in Wigginton, York, are now organising a 170-mile coast-to-coast bike ride, from Morecambe to Bridlington, to give the charities a cash boost.

Matthew and Robert are both gearing up to take part in the three-day ride, from tomorrow (Thursday) to Saturday, and will be accompanied by 27 riders, including two of Bronagh’s brothers, Karl and Paul Milligan who are travelling over from Ireland. Another 10 cyclists will join the group on the final day.

Bronagh said: "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of family and friends taking to their bikes, although not sure they know what they are letting themselves in for. On the Friday we will be going around by Ampleforth, where Matthew is from and most of his family still live. We will also visit St Benedict's Church in Ampleforth were Jude is buried."

Bronagh said the support she and Matthew had received following the loss of Jude was invaluable.

“The care we were given at York Hospital, we will always remember, we were treated with love and felt cared for," she said.

“We felt supported by the charities and the midwife at York Hospital.”

York SANDS, based at York Hospital, have also provided ongoing support to the couple.

While they were coming to terms with the loss of Jude, 4Louis provided them with a memory box, filled with thoughtful items such as candles, teddies and a clay impression kit, to capture an impression of a baby’s hands and feet.

Meanwhile, Our Angels, in Harrogate, runs a support group which the couple attended.

Bronagh said: "We will always be parents to three children and it is from this love that we passionately want to create a legacy for Jude. We want to thank and support some of the amazing charities that have helped us in these dark times by raising much needed funds. Their continuing support to us and other bereaved families is a real life line and help us get through each day."

A crowdfunding page has been set up for anyone who would like to support the family’s fundraising efforts and make a donation. For details, visit gofundme.com/Judesrainbow