INSPIRATIONAL families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a child have been recognised for supporting others.

Nicole Chidgey, aged 26, found out in October 2016 that she had lost her baby Avery Grace Chidgey, at 28 weeks of pregnancy. Since then she and her husband Steven aged 28, have fundraised to help other grieving families and raise awareness of stillbirth.

Nicole started a blog after losing her baby.

She said: "Thinking we had the world at our feet, our happiness was flipped upside down in the blink of an eye. When we first lost our little angel, we thought we were the only ones in the world, and we were being punished. However, the reality is far from that and actually the figures are quite shocking.

"So why did I feel so alone? Probably because it’s not widely talked about. Losing a baby is a rollercoaster of emotions and each day is a new battle, but I’ve found writing down my experiences is helping me get through it. As a writer, it seemed natural for me to splurge my emotions onto paper – my words are very real – just raw feelings and an honest account of learning to live my life without Avery.

"I hope by sharing my stories I empower other couples to speak out and raise awareness of the wonderful charities, medical professionals and foundations who work tirelessly to prevent stillbirth in the future. More than anything I want to offer support in letting others know they’re not alone. There’s a reason Avery was taken from me and I hope this blog is part of that reason, because if she’s helping others through my experience, then she’s already making her mark on the world."

The couple, who love in Worsley raise money for charity in order to save more babies’ lives.

They have gone on to attend coffee mornings at their local hospital to speak with parents who have gone through similar loss and have both spoken out about counting kicks. One of Steven’s pregnant friends phoned the hospital after not being able to count the kicks one day and was quickly induced to avoid further complications.

They said: "Avery saved a life today."

They together with Martin Jones from Atherton have been shortlisted for Tommy's Awards, which recognised families who have suffered pregnancy complications, or the loss of a baby.

Martin, aged 33, was father to a stillborn baby boy. He was nominated after running two 10k events and raising around £1,500.

Nicole and Steven have been nominated for The Frankie & Benny’s Inspirational Family Award which celebrates an extra-special family who have transformed the lives of others, or supported each other through troubled times and come out the other side. And also for the Closer Star Fundraiser Award which celebrates individuals and families who have gone the extra mile in fundraising for charity.

Martin has been nominated for The Closer Star Fundraiser Award.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 16 March, 2018 at the Landmark Hotel in London.