PARENTS of a stillborn son said they met so many inspirational people at a ceremony despite not walking away with an award.

Lisa and Russell Ventura, from St John's, Worcester,were nominated in the Inspirational Mother and Inspirational Father categories at The Butterfly Awards.

The couple set up Frankie's Legacy to raise money for home comforts in the delivery suites at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after the stillbirth of their son Francesco Enrico Ventura in November last year.

The Butterfly Awards, created by Mel Scott and Jade Deverill of Towards Tomorrow Together, gives special recognition to those who work hard to help and comfort those who have lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy or post-birth.

Mrs Ventura said: “To us, it wasn’t about winning as there are no winners in baby loss.

"We were just thrilled to be nominated and there on the night, and although it was a celebration of those who have done incredible work to raise awareness of early pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death while supporting others, it was also a very sad and poignant event.

"It was an honour and privilege to meet so many people who have been through such devastation, just as we have, but who have turned their experiences into something so positive by helping others who have also been through it.

"We would also like to say a huge thank you to Mel Scott and Jade Deverill for organising this event and for giving recognition and a voice to all those who have been touched by baby loss.”

The Butterly Awards will return on Saturday, October 10 next year and nominations will be open in the next few weeks

For more information, visit thebutterflyawards.com.