THE tragic loss of a baby has led a couple to bring joy to hundreds of sick children.
Mark Cosgrove, 41, and Stacie, 33, from Winnington, were overjoyed to discover they were expecting their first child just before Christmas 2019.
Sadly, Matilda was stillborn but they are determined to keep her memory alive.
"To say we were devastated is an understatement and is something we will struggle with on a daily basis," said Mark.
"One way in which we we have managed to lessen the pain is with the help of family and friends to raise money in her memory and help other children."
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The couple set up a charity, The Matilda Foundation, and have raised thousands of pounds to treat hundreds of children at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Mark and Stacey Cosgrove
Matilda's cousin Nancy Carter started the appeal when she was eight with a bike ride.
Funds raised bought a memorial bench near Matilda's grave in Gorsage Cemetery and also presents for young patients.
"We learned that there are 270 beds in the hospital and we thought that a nice thing to do would be to have every child in the hospital get a present at Easter and another gift at Christmas," said Mark.
Christmas presents being delivered to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for 270 children
"We have now set our sights on this being an annual fundraiser."
Staff unload Christmas gifts onto trollies at Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Celebrities from TV and soap shows teamed up with ex professionals to play two charity football matches at Witton Albion's grounds this year.
Football legends team up with celebrities to join Mark and Stacey Cosgrove for a charity soccer match Picture: Karl Brooks Photography
Ex Manchester United defender West Brown, former Everton striker James Beattie and football freestyler Jeremy Lynch raised more than £3,000 in November.
Stacie and Mark Cosgrove with Gogglebox star Tom Malone who played in the celebrity soccer match
More than 350 spectators turned up to watch the game.
"It was a great success," said Mark. "We are very proud and overwhelmed by all the support we have had.
"We want to bring some joy and happiness through our sadness. It's brilliant that so many big names gave up their time for us.
"We've not just reached our target for the year, we have gone beyond which means everything."
The couple were able to donate a cuddle cot, a chilled Moses basket, to the hospital, to enable bereaved parents to spend precious time at home with their lost little one.
Mark and Stacie deliver a van full of Christmas gifts and a cuddle cot to Alder Hey Children's hospital
As they look ahead to 2022, the year is full of hope.
"We have a lot more exciting events and fundraising planned for next year," said Mark.
"So even through the hardest pain of losing our sleeping angel, we hope she brings happiness to sick children for as long as possible."
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