A couple are holding a charity ball for the second year running in memory of their baby son Evan, who died aged nine months.

Emma and Justin Hargrave, of Ashlar Grove, Queensbury, held their first charity night a year ago and it was such as success that Evan’s Butterfly Ball will take place again this year on Saturday, May 28.

All proceeds are for baby charity Tommy’s and so far they have raised £9,343. It is a charity which means a lot to the couple, who have suffered the devastating loss of three babies.

Their first baby Joel was born prematurely in 2005 and passed away 30 minutes after birth. Their second son Cameron was also sadly stillborn in 2006.

The couple took medical advice before trying again. However, the need to deliver their third baby early was necessary due to pre-eclampsia and Evan Jake was born on Valentine’s day in 2009, weighing just 1lb 4oz. He battled through for nine months, but died on October 24.

Emma said: “We never believed at 32 we would be planning and attending three of our own children’s funerals, which is why we are so passionate about helping and supporting Tommy’s in any way we can in the hope that one day problems we have encountered are eliminated and no one else has to suffer this pain.”

Tickets for the ball at the Design House in Halifax cost £27.50 and include a three-course meal, entertainment and entry into a prize draw. Contact emmaandjust@aol. com for more information.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A