A COUPLE who went through the heartbreaking experience of losing a child have decided to share their story to raise money for the hospital service which helped them

Lisa Garland, 29, and Zac Brimacombe, 22, both from Taunton, were eagerly waiting for baby Arthur to arrive after having their 20 week scan.

This was set to be their first child together, and six-year-old Riley, Lisa's son, was excited to be a big brother.

But shortly after they received the news Lisa had a rare condition, a two-vessel umbilical cord.

Because the cord had only one artery and one vein, instead of two arteries and one vein, it meant baby Arthur Could face problems with his organs.

Lisa's sister Laura, who has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for Musgrove Park Hospital's Rowan Suite, said: "They made a decision no parent should have to. With advice from two consultants at St Michaels Hospital in Bristol, Lisa gave birth the week after.

"They were told is Arthur was born full-term, there would be uncertainty on his little life, long-term illnesses and countless operations."

Lisa gave birth to Arthur at the Rowan Suite, where she said she received incredible support.

Arthur was provided with a basket and bedding, and the parents were given keepsakes of his hand and foot prints, memory pebbles and a bracelet.

The pair stayed overnight with Arthur, and said they felt no pressure to leave and were not rushed.

They now hope to raise money for the suite so other families can have the same support should they need it as the Rowan Suite is funded by donations to keep the service going.

Lisa Garland said: "The love support and kindness we were shown during our stay on Rowan Suite is something we would want any family going through the same turmoil as we have had to experience.

"The keepsakes we were given were all donated and without the funding this can not happen."

The family said telling Riley he would not be meeting his little brother was difficult, but they explained he was like a new toy that is broken, there was no way to fix him or make him better.

Keiley Tuck, bereavement midwife at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “I want to say thank you to Laura for her kind words about the care Lisa and Zac were given at Musgrove Park during their sad loss of baby Arthur.

“We are very grateful they have chosen the Rowan Suite to give this kind donation to.

“We use any donations to Rowan for maintaining the suite, buying the keepsakes, staff training and equipment to improve safer care for women and babies.”

The family hope to raise £2,000 and have so far reached £600.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-garland.