A couple devastated by the loss of three babies are to hold a ball in aid of a charity close to their hearts.

Emma and Justin Hargrave, of Ashlar Grove, Queensbury, are organising Evan’s Butterfly Ball in aid of the baby charity Tommy’s which funds research into pregnancy problems and provides information and support to affected families.

It is also a charity which is giving the couple hope in their ambition to have a family.

In 2005 their son Joel was born prematurely by emergency caesarean when Emma developed pre-eclampsia, a condition dangerous to both mother and child. There is no cure and it can only be treated by delivering the baby.

Joel weighed only 1lb 8oz and died 30 minutes after birth. “We were just so shocked, we had never heard of pre-eclampsia or thought for a second something like this would happen to us,” said Emma.

They were advised to try different medication for any future pregnancies, which they did, but their second son, Cameron, was stillborn at 26 weeks.

And they suffered the loss of Evan, who was nearly nine months old when he died, having been born 13 weeks prematurely, weighing 1lb 4oz, when Emma again suffered pre-eclampsia.

Evan battled through lung disease, surgery and infections before dying after contracting an aggressive strain of E-coli.

The couple said: “We spent every day at the hospital with Evan and we treasure every second we had with him.

“We made the heartbreaking decision to let Evan rest in peace on October 24, 2009.

“He passed away in our arms, a tragic moment we will never forget.

“Evan touched our hearts so much and life is difficult without him.”

The couple said they had been frustrated by a lack of guidance and answers from the NHS, and turned to the Tommy’s charity for help.

“Tommy’s is working hard to try and provide the answers and guidance that not just us but so many other longing parents are looking for,” they said.

Emma and Justin have been to see a consultant at Tommy’s centre in Manchester and if they do decide to try for a baby in the future, doctors there have agreed to monitor them closely.

But after the heartache of the last five years, the couple are focusing their attention on raising money for Tommy’s.

Evan’s Butterfly Ball takes place at the Design House in Halifax on Saturday, May 29.

Most tickets have been sold but they still need help in the form of prizes for a raffle and an auction. Despite sending out a hundred letters, just ten companies have responded.

To help, contact the couple on (01274) 884295 or e-mail emma andjust@aol.com. Donations can also be made online at tommys.org/evansbutterflyball.