A COUPLE whose baby boy was still born have been praised for their bravery and efforts to raise awareness.

Julie Purdham and Simon Humphrey, of Penrith, were devastated by the loss their son Toby Lee Humphrey in February last year.

Keen to raise awareness of still birth and to thank the Maternity Unit at the Cumberland Infirmary for its support, they set themselves the gruelling challenge of climbing Great Gable and England's highest peak Scafell Pike.

Along with 30 of their family, friends and colleagues they managed to raise a staggering £10,000.

Andrea Ewing, specialist bereavement midwife, said: “Julie and Simon are very brave to do this after losing a baby.

"We will be deciding together how to use the funds raised in Toby’s memory to support other parents who have had similar experiences.

"The maternity unit at the Cumberland Infirmary, which includes the Snowdrop Suite, a place where parents can stay overnight following the loss of their baby, is extremely grateful for this very kind donation.”

Despite foggy conditions and their limited fitness, their mission was bravely accomplished and they managed to reach the summits of both mountains in the same day.

They raised in the region of £5,000 which was matched by Wates Giving, part of Wates Group, which includes Simon's employer Wates Construction.

The couple were overwhelmed by the support that they were given and the amount of people who joined the challenge on the day.

Julie said: "We wanted to thank the Cumberland Infirmary for their fantastic support especially Andrea Ewing, specialist bereavement midwife.

"We realise that still birth is a taboo subject and doesn’t get enough recognition or funding. It is a great service but needs more support.”