A grieving family have raised thousands of pounds to help others going through the heartache of losing a baby.

Demi Pitt and partner James Bennett lost their “perfect little boy” Ronnie on January 28 last year after he was stillborn at 37 weeks.

While the heartbreak has not faded, the couple have since been determined to do what they can to help people struggling with the devastation of stillbirth deaths.

Miss Pitt said: “Sands, which is a stillbirth and neonatal death charity, supported us through it and so instead of having flowers at Ronnie’s funeral, we asked people to donate money.

“Last year we had our first charity football match to raise money, and raised £6,000.

“We decided to do something football-related because my side of the family support Arsenal and my partner’s side support Charlton, so as soon as we found out we were having a boy there was always a bit of a debate about who he was going to support.”

Miss Pitt, 25, of Livingstone Road, Gravesend, is now organising a second fundraiser, which is scheduled to take place this summer.

It comes at a time when she and her partner have their hands full with two-year-old daughter Elsie-Rae and new arrival Pennie, who was born just last week.

Miss Pitt said: “The match was so popular last year that this time we’ve decided to do it as a tournament – we want it to be bigger and better.

“There are 16 teams and we’ve also got face painting, a mascot so the kids can get pictures with him, beat the goalie for the kids, too, and an auction and a raffle after the football.

“My nan and grandad run Erith and Belvedere Football Club, so we’re holding it there.”

The club is based in Park View Road, Welling, and will host the tournament on Sunday, July 16.

Gates open at midday, the football will start at 1pm, and the on-site bar will be open until midnight. Entry will cost £5 for adults, £2 for children.