A COUPLE raised £13,000 in memory of their son with the help of celebrity guest White Dee.

Gemma and Luke Froude held the charity day on their son Finnley’s birthday on Saturday.

The child died in 2010 when he was just 18 weeks old after being born 12 weeks premature on January 29.

Mr and Mrs Froude, 34 and 33, now mark his birthday every January by raising money for Support for the Sick, Newborn and their Parents (SSNAP), the charity that supports the special care baby unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Finnley’s Day, at Banbury Town Hall, had a prize draw, raffle, tombola, bouncy castle, stalls, face-painting and celebrity guest in the form of Dee Kelly, or “White Dee” from Channel 4 show Benefits Street.

Mum-of-two Miss Kelly brought her eight-year-old son Gerard to the event.

The Birmingham resident heard about the day after Mrs Froude contacted her on Twitter.

The 43-year-old said: “It’s humbling for them to even take time out of their day to message me.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to come and it’s only a couple of hours out of my day.

“I’ve never lost a child, I’m really blessed with my two kids, but there can’t be anything worse than losing a child, can there?

“Gemma and Luke are two really strong characters and I’ve loved coming here.

“My son’s spent his pocket money and I’ve loved meeting everyone here, and all the money’s going to a good cause.”

Mrs Froude, a nursery manager, said: “It’s something positive to do in Finnley’s memory out of a not-so-nice situation.

“The support is overwhelming. Everyone’s given up their time and our family and friends are amazing.

“Finnley was in the JR for 18 weeks and this will help pay for equipment, nurses' training and family support for other families.”

Caz Stokes, parent help team leader for SSNAP, said: “It’s truly amazing fundraising opportunity and a great way to let people know about the charity.

“Gemma and Luke are inspirational, they are an extraordinary family.”

Finnley’s older cousin is 10-year-old Will Cooper-Harris, who enjoyed the day’s games and events.

He said: “I love raising money for Finnley’s Day, because it’s important.”

Six-year-old Charlie McCarthy agreed. He said: “I loved having my face painted like Spiderman because he’s my favourite superhero.”

For Mr Froude, a manager at Bibby Financial Services, the heroes were the people of Banbury who support the annual event.

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