A WOMAN who helps run a support group for bereaved parents despite the tragedy of a stillbirth and a miscarriage in just six months, has been nominated for a courage award.

Grace Detoeuf is in the running for an award from baby charity Tommy’s for facing adversity on her road to parenthood but showing great strength and resilience.

The Tommy’s Awards, now in its 22nd year, recognise heroes of families who have been touched by pregnancy complications or the loss of a baby.

After two years of trying, Grace, 26, and husband Anthony Detoeuf, 35, were delighted to be expecting a baby and started planning for the future, buying a pram and decorating the nursery at their home near Skipton.

There were no complications until Mrs Detoeuf noticed she had not felt felt her baby move. The couple were given the worst news that their baby had died and on October 10 last year their son Louis was born sleeping.

In March 2016, the couple were expecting again and early scans were positive but at nine weeks another scan found there was no heartbeat.

During that time Mrs Detoeuf had also lost a grandad to dementia and her adopted grandad suddenly, which added to her heartbreak.

As a way of coping with her grief, Mrs Detoeuf decided she wanted to help others and started to arrange a charity ball to raise money for stillbirth charities.

She is now part of a team at the local hospital and has helped set up the Sunbeam Support Group for other parents who have suffered the loss of a baby.

Meetings are at Strong Close Nursery School on Airedale Road, Keighley, on the last Thursday of every month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Mrs Detoeuf’s husband, who nominated her for the Tommy’s award, said: “Grace has been so strong. In such a short space of time she has endured so much yet still wants to support others. She is brave, resilient, strong and selfless and she deserves to be recognised for her courage. She is a mummy despite our little angel being born sleeping and she will always be a mummy to Louis.”

The couple are now expecting again and have had a successful 12-week scan.

Mrs Detoeuf said: “I feel overwhelmed and emotional that Anthony has nominated me.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 24 at the Landmark Hotel in London. For more about the Sunbeam Support group, call 01535 605272 or 07484 056363.

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