A CHARITY set up by parents in memory of their baby daughter who died from a rare condition will be sending Father Christmas into people's homes over the festive period to help other bereaved families.

Daniel Thompson and Georgie Wills, from Newton-le-Willows, were devastated when they were informed at a scan on January 10 2018 that their baby would be born with Anencephaly.

This is a type of disorder where the brain is located outside of the skull.

Babies with the condition that are not stillborn will usually die within a few hours or days after birth but Ava-Marie lived for 10 days.

Due to fundraising for a cuddle cot, her parents got to spend a further eight days with her before she was buried to create precious memories.

St Helens Star:

Ava-Marie

Earlier this year, the couple created the Ava-Marie Foundation in memory of their daughter, where people who have lost a baby can receive a memory box aimed at helping them to create memories to last a lifetime.

To raise money to offer more memory boxes, the pair, families and supporters of the foundation have come up with unique fundraising ideas - with the latest being Father Christmas coming into people's homes, rather than having to go out to grotto's across the borough.

Daniel, explains: "We know at Christmas, for whatever reason, some families cannot get out to where there are Christmas grottos.

"There are also children who might have limited mobility or sensory issues who may find it all too much.

"So we came up with an idea that we could have a Father Christmas and an elf come out to peoples homes to spread some festive cheer, all in memory of Ava-Marie, and the money will go towards more memory boxes for bereaved families."

Each visit will last around 15-20 minutes and can take place across St Helens, Newton-le-Willows and Ashton-in-Makerfield.

The cost is £7.50 and this includes a gift, reindeer food and a key for Father Christmas for December 25.

All proceeds will go to Ava Marie Foundation.

To book and for more information call 01925 939871 or email info@avamariefoundation.org.uk.