Our story 

Our first baby was due on 31st October 2014. 3 days after due date, whilst with a friend, my wife, Karen had some concerns about our baby and decided it was best to attend the hospital. I received a phone call from our friend, who asked me to come to the hospital. At this moment, we were unaware of any bad news.  

Excitement and joy overtook me., I grabbed the overnight and baby's bags, which had been ready for several weeks. In the short 5 minute drive to the hospital, all I could think was, "This is it, I am going to be a Daddy!".  

I raced into the hospital, struggling with the weight of the bags, as I reached the labour ward. I excitedly said my wife was here. After giving her name, I was led towards a room. I saw the faces of the nurses and doctor and immediately felt something was not right. As I entered the room, Karen had just been told the terrible news that there was has no heartbeat. I will never forget the feeling of total loss and heartbreak at that moment, as Karen and I held each other. We only had a scan 2 weeks previously, with nothing suggesting anything abnormal. Karen now had the knowledge that she still had to give birth to our baby,  knowing that he would not be coming home with us.  

We were told to go home and return the following day for Karen to be induced. However later that evening she went into labour. We returned to the hospital and after about 9 hours,  Karen gave birth to our beautiful baby boy, Jude Joseph Doran. As I held my baby son for the first time, at that moment, I felt like the proudest father in the world. Despite us knowing that Jude will never open his eyes, never hold my finger with his chunky hands and never kick a football with his daddy, nothing can ever take that moment away from me.   
 

The statistics in the UK and Ireland for stillbirth are shocking:  

The UK has one of the worst still birth rates in the developed world. It is 15 times more common than cot death, yet so little is known about it in comparison. There are also similar statistics in Ireland. In addition, due to lack of research,  the reason for stillbirth in over 1/3 of cases remain unexplained. This includes Jude.   

I want to raise money for Tommy's - funding research into stillbirth. Further information about this charity is available at www.tommys.org. I have been partaking in several races/marathons over the year, having completed:  

Still to come (dressed as Forrest Gump):

Thank you so much everybody who has donated so far, myself and Karen have been truly overwhelmed by people's generosity and words of support. I have decided to raise my initial target of £5,000 to £11,000. 

It will never be possible to explain the pain and hurt we experience on a daily basis. It is a pain that we would never wish on anyone.I am aware that so many of you donate generously for charities throughout the year. If any good can come of this tragedy,  and in memory of our beautiful baby boy Jude, please help me raise some much needed funds over the next year to assist Tommy's with their research. Even if it is only a couple of pounds, please help by sharing my story. 

You can also donate by TEXT. Text JUUD99 and add your donation anything in this format £1 - £10. Example: JUUD99 £5 to 70070. Please remember to add Gift aid.  

Thank you all in advance 

Stephen and Karen 

Boxing Memorabilia Draw

I am selling tickets for signed boxing memorabilia with all proceeds going towards Tommys. There are some great prizes (listed below) and tickets cost £1/€2. Books of 5 tickets can also be purchased.  You can buy tickets by text too. Text JUUD99 and the number of tickets you want e.g. if you want 5 tickets, text JUUD99 £5 to 70070. Please email me at stephen.doran81@hotmail.co.uk once you buy the tickets by text so I know who bought them. If you live outside the UK and are interested in buying tickets, please email me.

• Signed boxing glove by Steve Collins (WBO Super Middleweight Champion 1995-97, WBO Middleweight Champion 1994-95).
• Signed boxing glove by Nathan Cleverly (WBO Light Heavyweight Champion 2011-13).
• Signed boxing glove by John Conteh (WBC Light Heavyweight Champion 1974-77).
• Signed framed A4 picture of John Conteh (WBC Light Heavyweight Champion 1974-77). 
• Limited edition (387/500) signed framed picture of Maurice Hope as he retains World Light Middleweight Champion in Wembley (1980), stopping his opponent Rocky Mattioli in 11th Round.

• Signed DVD by Ricky Hatton (IBF/WBA/IBO Light Welterweight Champion, WBA Welterweight Champion).

• Signed glove by all of the below:

• Enzo Maccarinelli - WBU Cruiserweight Champion (2003–2006), WBO Cruiserweight Champion (2006–2008) European Cruiserweight Champion (2010), British Cruiserweight Champion (2012) Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion (2013–present) - Welsh Professional – 1999 to present  
  •Iran "The Blade" Barkley – WBC Middleweight Champion (1988), IBF Super Middleweight Champion (1992), WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (1992) ex professional American (1982 – 1999)  
  •Gary Lockett - WBU Middleweight Champion 2006 - ex professional Welsh (1996 – 2008)  
  •Barry Jones – WBO Super featherweight Champion (1997) ex professional Welsh (1992 – 2000)  
  •Enzo Calzaghe – trainer of several World Champions including Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly  
  •Steve Robinson - WBO Featherweight Champion (1993) - Welsh Professional - (1989 – 2002)  
  •Kevin Hayde – Welsh Super Middleweight – Ex professional (1986 – 1991) – Currently boxing Journalist 
  •Chris Sanigar - English Super Lightweight – Ex professional (1978 – 1984) and trainer for Lee Selby (IBF Featherweight Champion)  
  •Mark Goult – Southern Arena Bantamweight Champion– Ex professional English (1987 - 1990)  
  •Terry Knight – Former English Southern Counties Champion - ex professional English (1976 – 1979)  
  •Colin Miles - former Welsh Bantamweight Champion (1974) Welsh Featherweight Champion (1971) - ex professional Welsh - (1970 – 1975)  
  •Eddie Avoth – Former British Light Heavyweight Champion (1970), Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion (1971) - ex professional Welsh - (1963 – 1972)  
  •Johnny Wall – Welsh Lightweight Champion (1977) ex professional Welsh (1971 – 1979)  
  •Robbie Regan - WBO Bantamweight Champion (1996) ex professional Welsh (1989 – 1996)  
  •Donald "Don" Braithwaite - 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games winning a bronze medal ex professional Welsh (1959 – 1962)  
  •Jamie Arthur - Welsh super featherweight Champion (2008), Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Champion 2010, gold in 2002 Commonwealth Games - Welsh Professional – (2003 – 2015)  
  •Lynsey Holdaway - Amateur Welsh Boxer  
  •Gareth Jones – Welterweight – ex Welsh Professional - (2000 – 2001)  
  •Dai Morris – Welsh Pro Boxer  
  •T Burnett– Welsh pro boxer
  

Special thanks to Bryn Griffiths for helping to supply the boxing prizes.