Runcorn parents hold fundraising event for Elsie-Rose and 4Louis

Neal and Jenny Ocego tragically lost their baby Elsie-Rose at just 22 weeks old.

Elsie-Rose was born early through an unknown infection that was brought on in early labour – but she was too young and not quite developed enough to survive.

After a tough few months, Neal and Jenny, who have a four-year-old son called Cobie, decided to run a charity event in Elsie-Rose’s memory.

They also decided to use the event to raise funds for a charity extremely close to their hearts, 4Louis.

A trophy was engraved with Elsie-Rose's name

4Louis is a charity that works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.

The charity supported Neal and Jenny, who is described as ‘one of a kind’ and ‘so resilient’, in various different ways – including providing a bereavement room at the hospital and a cuddle cot.

A cuddle cot is a cooling device that allows parents to spend time with their baby before its funeral.

“This pulled on the heartstrings a bit as it gave us an opportunity to spend a couple of hours with Elsie-Rose,” 38-year-old Neal said.

“At the time it was really tough but looking back on it you don’t realise how grateful you can be for those extra moments that you get.”

4Louis also donated a memory box containing two teddies – one to leave with the baby and one to leave with the parents – as well as picture frames, a key ring, a glass angel and a mould for footprints.

They also issued a birth certificate – which usually isn’t provided if a baby is less than 24 weeks old.

32 bowlers from across the country were invited

Neal added: “It was little touches like that which really stuck with us.”

As Neal is an avid crown green bowler, he decided to create an event that would be in Elsie-Rose’s memory.

The crown green bowling competition took place at Runcorn Sports Club and 32 professional bowlers from across the country were invited.

It took place last month – around the time Elsie-Rose would have been due – and the winner received a trophy engraved with Elsie-Rose’s name.

So far, just under £2,000 has been raised by the event and there are already plans to run it next year.

As a further fundraising move, Neal is currently selling 100 numbers to win four hospitality tickets to watch a game at Old Trafford Football Stadium.

The package is valued at £3,000 but cost just £25 a number – with all money going towards 4Louis which will remain the focus of the family’s future fundraising events.

The family welcomes any sponsors for future events held in Elsie-Rose’s memory.

Elsie-Rose was 'too precious for this world'