Ball in memory of little James raises £10,000

Will Norris and Nicole Taylor wanted to leave a legacy for their son James, who died in September, just 30 minutes after he was born.

He had developed lethal skeletal dysplasia in the womb and was born three months premature.

The pair have since supported the Baby Beat Appeal at Preston Hospital, which aims to sound-proof the delivery rooms in the maternity suite, so that parents suffering still births and tragedies similar to Nicole’s won’t be able to hear the sounds of newborn babies in neighbouring rooms.

Their fund-raising efforts rounded off with James’ Angel Ball at Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green.

“It was incredible,” Nicole said. “We sold all 350 tickets and it was an amazing night.

“Will and I gave a speech about why it’s so important to us to support this appeal, and to leave a legacy for James.

“There was a meal, a raffle, a silent auction and a live auction, with some fantastic prizes including a few holidays, and there was a dance afterwards.”

She added: “We didn’t want it to be morbid, we wanted it to be a celebration of James.

“We have been so amazed by the support we’ve received for Baby Beat.”