A HEARTBROKEN couple have found a ray of sunshine amid the most tragic circumstances.

Jason and Shelley Hyde, from Gallops Lane in Prestbury, were devastated when, in June, their son Sherman was stillborn after a 37-week pregnancy.

They were supported in their time of need by the Gloucestershire branch of the Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Society (Sands) which provided them with a memory box to remember him by.

After the baby's sad death, they threw their energy into raising more than £5,000 for Sands with a variety of fundraising activities.

It was through this work that they came across Steve Simms, a friend of the daughter of Michelle Dimery, who founded the local Sands branch earlier this year.

After hearing the 17-year-old sing, they have sponsored him to record a CD in Sherman's memory, with profits from sales and radio airtime set to go to Sands.

Jason, 37, who works as a builder, said: "We want to make something positive come of Sherman's short life.

"It was incredibly sad when he died and we are still grieving for him. But we couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Supporting the launch of a CD in his memory is a way of dealing with the pain."

The couple met Steve shortly after Sherman's death and immediately recognised his talent as a singer.

They persuaded Steve to go to Rockfield Studios to record a CD featuring covers of Abba's 'I Have A Dream' and a jazz version of Feeling Good.

The young singer also performed Bread's Everything I Own, at Sherman's funeral in June.

Jason added: "It was so moving to have Steve singing at the funeral. We had heard him before and we knew how good he was but he was even better live. There was barely a dry eye in the house.

"It should be a fantastic CD. I have never heard such an amazing voice. Even the staff at Rockford Studios said he was a star in the making.

"It means so much to us to raise money for research into why so many babies die at birth. What happened to Sherman could have happened to anyone."

Steve, who reached the last 25 in X-Factor 2007, said: "I was touched by Jason and Shelley's story and it is an honour to be able to help them through my singing.

"We want to take the single national and make it as big as possible. It's all about raising awareness of the fantastic work Sands are doing."

Midwife Michelle Dimery, who founded the Gloucestershire branch of Sands earlier this year, said: "To have a talented young singer fighting our corner is fantastic news for the charity."

The CD launch will take place at the Hatherley Manor Hotel on October 30.