A NEW charity has been officially launched by a couple in memory of their stillborn son.

Frankie's Legacy was founded by Russell and Lisa Ventura to was created to raise awareness of cleft lip/palate, stillbirth and a rare chromosomal disorder called chromosome 15 duplication syndrome.

Their son Francesco “Frankie” Enrico Ventura was stillborn at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital on November 29 last year and the Mayor of Worcester, cllr Pat Agar, joined the couple for the charity's launch event at Bindles Brasserie, Sidbury, Worcester, on Thursday .

Russell and Lisa Ventura said: “We are overwhelmed with the amount of support we’ve had for Frankie’s Legacy and cannot thank everyone enough who has donated to us, as well as our sponsors and sponsors in kind.

"It cannot bring our son back, but we hope that through his memory and legacy we can raise awareness of cleft lip/palate, stillbirth and rare chromosome disorders, and also raise vital funds to improve the delivery suite facilities at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”

The launch event saw the couple raise £370 towards their fund-raising goals, while Worcester's MP Robin Walker MP and Reverand David Southall, the chaplain at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, also attended.

The charity aims to raise funds to improve the delivery suite facilities at the hospital and provide equipment to add some home-from-home comforts in the delivery suite rooms, including fold-out beds, comfortable chairs, Google Chrome books, music docking stations and tea/coffee making facilities.

Frankie’s Legacy will also raise funds towards the production of voucher and information packs to be given to all parents-to-be as they go through the delivery suite at the hospital.

These vouchers will cover the first two days of the birthing process, including car parking fees, hot meal or sandwich vouchers for the father or birthing partner and internet access.

The couple are now working on their calendar of fund-raising events which will include quiz nights, car boot sales, online auctions, sponsored walks and more.

They will also be hosting a Wear Blue For Frankie day on his birthday on Saturday, November 29.

For more information, e-mail hello@frankieslegacy.org.uk or call 01905 560207.