A mum has spoken of her heartbreak at losing her stillborn baby as she organises a fundraiser in his memory.

Chloe Hutchings, 25, and her partner Thomas Deane, 33, lost their son, Alfie, after he developed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) during pregnancy.

IUGR is condition in which a baby's growth slows or stops during pregnancy. It affects around three in every 100 pregnancies.

The couple, from Bradpole, have organised a sponsored walk in aid of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity which supported them.

Chloe said: “When we found out we were expecting it was one of the happiest and scariest moments. The moment that changes your life. But for us, it didn't change in the way we expected.

“The 12-week scan went perfectly; perfect measurements and everything looked fine. As the weeks went past, we visited the baby stores and, in the excitement, looked for our pram and what nursery set we would have.

“Excited to find out, we went to our 20-week scan and found we were having a little boy. We carried on with the scan to find he wouldn't sit still correctly to get measurements. Thinking nothing of it, we went back in again.

“Alfie was slightly small. We were informed we would be going to Southampton Hospital the following morning for a closer look. We weren't entirely sure what was happening but off we went. This is when our lives changed.”

The couple spent the following five weeks travelling to Southampton Hospital for scans.

Chloe said: “We were hoping and praying Alfie had put on weight and was growing normally and it had been a bad dream. Unfortunately, it wasn't, and the last scan we had we were told there was a one per cent chance he would make it.”

Chloe and Thomas were referred to Dorset County Hospital for further scans but were given devastating news.

Chloe said: “The words 'I'm so sorry, but your baby has died' will never leave us. That day our whole world came crashing down around us.”

The couple want to help other parents receive the same help and support they did, why is why they are fundraising for Sands.

“We would love to raise as much money as we can in honour of Alfie,” said Chloe.

“They send memory boxes to hospitals around the UK, Dorchester being one of them. In these boxes are blankets, ink print kits, outfits, teddies, wash items, information packs and support.

Without our box, we wouldn't have had anything for Alfie that morning. We wouldn't have had our ink footprints, handprints or the comfort. We would have walked out totally empty-handed.

“We want to raise money for Sands so they can continue to send these boxes out for other bereaved families to help them how it helped us.”

Chloe, Thomas and their three-year-old daughter Mia will be joined by family and friends for a sponsored walk on October 13.

They will start at Jessopp Avenue, Bridport, at 10.30am, making their way through the town, Symondsbury, Broadoak and Pymore before heading back.

All are welcome to take part or show support on the day.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cloe-hutchings