THE parents of a baby who was stillborn have spoken out to raise awareness.

Keira Scott gave birth to baby Violet at Colchester Hospital on October 30 - the day before her due date.

Sadly, she had already died before she was delivered.

Keira, 25, and Violet’s dad Matthew Harding, 27, are looking to raise awareness and want to thank the hospital and charities for their support.

Kiera, who has a six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, said: “The pregnancy was normal, although in August I spent two weeks in hospital.

“I was admitted at first for severe morning sickness and there was talk about inducing me early.

“Up until labour started we had no reason to believe anything was wrong. Sadly she had passed away before I gave birth.”

Keira and Matthew, of Colchester, were devastated to find out there was no heartbeat.

She said: “It was was such a huge shock. It was so hard knowing she had died and when I gave birth we wouldn’t hear her cry or see her open her eyes..

“We were lucky to have so much support from the hospital and charities which helped us get as many memories of Violet as we could.

“We also got to spend a few days with her before she went off for a full post-mortem examination.

“It’s definitely been a struggle for us all. We never thought we would be in this situation planning a funeral.”

Matthew said there are good and bad days. He said: “With the love and support of each other and family and friends I am sure we will be able to get through this. We would just like to help raise awareness and share our story because others might not have had the support we had.”

A fundraising page has been set up for the funeral and money is being raised to thank charities Forever Finley, Sands and St Helena Hospice.

A charity football match is also planned for November 18 at the recreation ground in Bromley Road.

To donate visit gofundme.com/violetjaynes-funeral-fund.

Search for Football Charity Match In Loving Memory Of Violet-Jayne on Facebook to find out more.

  • Keira and Matthew gave us permission to publish this picture of Violet.