Two heartbroken Cheltenham parents whose son was stillborn are raising money for the charity that supported them.

Jason and Shelley Hyde have so far raised £5,000 and want to do more for the Gloucestershire branch of the Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Society (Sands).

The couple, who live in Prestbury, were looking forward to the birth of their first child when tragedy struck in June.

Jason said: "It was a normal pregnancy and the birth was due in July, but at about 37 weeks we realised that the baby had stopped moving.

"We went for tests and they couldn't find a heartbeat. There was nothing wrong with the baby, it seems he pinched the cord and shut off the blood supply."

Soon after, Jason and Shelley's son Sherman was born.

"That was the first time we found out he was a beautiful baby boy. It was absolutely heartbreaking – it still is, to be honest," said his father.

Jason and Shelley, both 37, say they have been helped by the county branch of Sands, which was set up only in June this year by midwife Michelle Dimery.

Jason said: "Sands had briefed the midwives at the birth, so they knew what to do.

"We were given a memory box with a blanket and we were able to take hand and foot prints. There were two teddy bears – one we've kept and one went with Sherman. We got a box for a lock of hair and a memory book.

"It's been a real lifeline for us and they've given us so much help. We've got lots of friends and we were overwhelmed by flowers, so we've set up a web page to raise money for Sands."

Having already raised £5,000 in just a few weeks, the couple are also planning a ball in aid of the charity on June 25 next year, in memory of Sherman and Christopher, the baby son midwife Michelle lost 22 years ago.

Jason said: "We've been going to Sands meetings and there are parents coming who lost babies 20 or 30 years ago, when the babies were whisked away and their mothers were not even able to hold them. It really makes a difference to a lot of people."

Michelle used her own money to fund a ball in June to kick-start the local branch of Sands.

She said: "I'm glad we are able to give Jason and Shelley a little glimpse of light in the darkness, just to know there's somebody there to support them and offer a hand whenever they need it."

To donate to Jason and Shelley's fund visit the web at www.justgiving.com/ shermanhyde

Meetings of Sands are held once a month to offer support to bereaved parents.

For more information, visit www. gloucestershiresands.org.uk