A MOTHER that suffered the death of one of her twin sons just two hours after he was born is fundraising in aid of a charity that helped her through the grieving process.

Jessica Evans, along with her friend Jessica Hopkins, is set to hold a fundraising pamper and shopping evening at the Masonic Hall in Penarth in a bid to show her appreciation of the “amazing work” that Stillbirths and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) does.

Jessica Evans and her partner Mike were expecting twin boys, set to be named Noah and Teddy, when they were told that one of them had a rare condition called anencephaly.

The condition, where a portion of the brain, skull and scalp fails to develop, has a 100 per cent mortality rate with children rarely surviving for more than a few hours.

“Our dreams of double buggies and matching clothes were suddenly shattered,” said Jessica.

“We were crushed and we refused to accept it.

“’Doctors are wrong all the time’ I kept telling Mike, but not this time.”

Jessica thanked SANDS for their support during the ‘dark times’ after Teddy’s death.

“We were lucky enough to have two precious hours with our Teddy before he peacefully passed away in our arms,” she said.

“Through our loss we faced many dark times.

“This darkness was made bearable thanks to the wonderful staff at the UHW along with Ty Hafan and NHS blood and transplant UK, but we really couldn't have got through it without SANDS (Stillbirths and Neonatal Death Society).

“In order to show my appreciation for the amazing work they do, my friend Jessica Hopkins and I are organising a fabulous pamper and shopping evening.”

Sands supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth, offering emotional support and information for parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families and friends, health professionals and others.

Jessica added: “We have lots of stalls from local businesses to browse and buy from, such as jewellery, handbags, chocolate, candles and much more. There will also be therapists offering a range of treatments and tarot card readers offering different readings.

“To top it all off - we are holding a raffle which gives you the chance to win some fabulous prizes.”

The pampering and retail therapy fundraiser will be held at the Masonic Hall on Stanwell Road in Penarth on September 16 between 7pm and 9pm, with all the money raised going towards SANDS

Tickets are £3.50 in advance and include a glass of bucks fizz on arrival. To purchase your tickets - please ring 07859365493 or email littlesparklers@hotmail.co.uk or madehouseeventsltd@gmail.com