This is Scunthorpe --A FAMILY is celebrating the birth of a baby girl just a year after losing their 14-week-old daughter to a heart defect.
In April last year, Claire Simons, 33, gave birth to daughter Martha, but she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
The condition, which left her with a large hole in the heart, required open heart surgery. But baby Martha was too weak and passed away shortly before she was due to have the operation.
Claire and husband Stuart, 35, had been fearful about having more children in case something similar happened.
But a year on, they have welcomed baby Elsie to the family – to the delight of their other daughter Florence, 3.
Claire said: "It was awful to lose Martha last year and still feels that way now.
"It is one of those things you can never forget.
"No-one spotted the condition and it didn't show up on any of the scans. It just wasn't picked up.
"It crossed my mind after losing Martha that I didn't want to risk it again. I was so worried about what might happen.
"When I was expecting Elsie, we were extremely nervous. It was horrible.
"It was a massive relief when she was born healthy and she's doing well now.
"Everything is a reminder of Martha though. But that is not something I want to let slip.
"I love talking about Martha and want to keep her name and memory alive.
"Elsie is our little blessing and we think of her as our little gift."
Claire and Stuart have started raising money for the Children's Heart Federation since losing Martha, in an attempt to help other families.
On Saturday, June 29, Stuart will raise cash by riding 150 miles in a day from Whitehaven to Whitby.
And in November he will take on an even bigger challenge with brother Damian Simons, 34, and brother-in-law Daniel Benson, 27.
The trio will take part in The Big Heart Bike Ride in Jordan from November 8 to 15 – an event organised to raise money for heart charities.
They want to raise £10,000 for the Children's Heart Federation by doing the event, a 350km ride over five days from Jerash to Petra, around the Dead Sea.
Stuart said it was important to honour the memory of Martha and help others.
He said: "I am just trying to give something back.
"Nothing will ever replace her, but maybe if we can save another baby's life, it will help. It makes everyone aware of the charity.
"We had little knowledge of the condition before Martha.
"I think awareness could be raised a lot more."
Claire added: "It means everything to me that Stuart, Damian and Daniel are doing this ride.
"It is lovely that they can do something to keep Martha's memory alive. The charity provides support for parents who are affected and helps to raise awareness. It lets people know what to look for."
To sponsor Stuart, Damian and Daniel on their ride, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/barton-riders Reported by This is 6 hours ago.