It is hard to imagine the pain that Justin and Emma Hargrave must be feeling after losing three dearly wished-for babies.

Their heartache began in 2005 when their first son, Joel, was born prematurely by emergency Caesarean section after Mrs Hargrave suffered from pre-eclampsia. He weighed just 1lb 8oz and died after only 30 minutes.

Her second son, Cameron, was stillborn at 26 weeks. Their third boy, Evan, was born 13 weeks prematurely after Mrs Hargrave again suffered from pre-eclampsia, and he died almost nine months later after battling a series of serious health problems.

This couple clearly yearn to start a family, and with each and every pregnancy they must have hoped and prayed their dreams would come true, only for them to be cruelly dashed.

After such an emotional ordeal, it would be understandable if they wished to have some time to themselves.

But they had received help from the charity Tommy’s, as well as a glimmer of hope for the future, with its research centre agreeing to monitor Mrs Hargrave closely if they do try for another baby.

And that support meant so much to the couple that they have decided to hold a fundraising ball in aid of the charity and in memory of Evan.

That they are thinking of others after all they have been through is testimony to their kindness and courage.

We wish them all success with their event and for the future – whatever they decide to do. They deserve it.