A Harpenden father whose second child was stillborn has completed an epic running challenge to raise money for the charity that helped him through the "life-changing" loss.

Peter Northcroft, of Faulkners Place, ran 27km from Watford to Tring, recording the third fastest time for his leg of the challenge and running 2km more than he set out to.

Mr Northcroft, 36, decided to take part in the Grand Union Challenge after he and wife Georgina were left devastated in October 2014 when George, their second child, was stillborn.

The couple decided to raise money for Sands after receiving great support from the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

By taking part in the run Mr Northcroft raised more than £6,200, including a £500 donation from housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

Mr Northcroft said: "The point of the run was really for us as a family to do something positive to remember baby George and also to raise awareness about the work Sands does and stillbirth in general.

"It was an emotional day for us, yet it was also full of joy and camaraderie in memory of baby George. We will make sure every penny raised goes to Sands who will put this to good use helping families in need and carrying out further research into stillbirth and neonatal death.

"I’d like to thank everyone who supported us in the Grand Union Challenge, including the Old Mill in Berkhamsted, who kindly put on a great spread for us all after the run for free."

In consultation with their local Sands group, it has been suggested the money might be used for a bereavement suite in one of the hospitals that does not yet have one, sound-proofing for the bereavement suite, memory boxes and providing cameras and training to midwives.

The support provided by Sands for the Northcroft's included being given a memory box in hospital containing photographs and prints of baby George’s hands and feet.

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