TWO sets of parents who tragically lost their babies before raising thousands of pounds for a hospital officially opened its memorial garden.

Work has been taking place on the £10,000 project at Royal Bolton Hospital throughout the summer and the special space was officially opened on Saturday.

The ribbon was cut by two sets of parents who lost babies at the hospital and who have raised almost £10,000 between them towards the project.

The garden features memorial plaques and a specially-commissioned sculpture.

Russ and Debbie Chadwick lost their baby boy in 2013 when Mrs Chadwick was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery while pregnant.

The operation saved her life but they sadly lost the baby.

To thank the staff who cared for them, the couple — who live in Bradshaw — started raising money and contributed almost £5,000.

Mr Chadwick, aged 37, said: "The hospital really looked after Debs. She was in intensive care for a couple of days. We wanted to say thank you to the hospital. We started fundraising shortly after that.

"This is a separate part of the hospital. It will give parents some time to reflect and get away from everyday life."

The work was possible thanks to construction firm Seddon and staff at Marks and Spencer who gave time and resources for the project.

Joining the Chadwicks in cutting the ribbon were Claire Lister and Matt Vause, whose daughter Mia was stillborn at 32 weeks in February last year.

Miss Lister, from Egerton and aged 32, was determined to raise money for the hospital.

She said: "When I had Mia I wanted to do something with the hospital as everyone was really good with us.

"The garden is amazing. It is really good. I raised about £4,000. It feels nice because, when this happens to you, you feel like you are on your own and nobody should feel like they are on their own."

A large crowd gathered in the garden for the service and a blessing was carried out.

Parents were also invited to plant a snowdrop to remember their child in the garden.

Andy Lee, fundraiser at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The turnout is fantastic. It has been a real community project."

The garden features a special sculpture designed by artist Victoria Lynch.