She tragically lost her precious daughter - now this amazing Sunderland woman is doing all she can to help others

Steph Archbold and her partner Phil Capewell, from Southwick, lost their daughter Amelia when she was just 12 minutes old after she was born at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Since then, they have fundraised for worthy causes and are now close to officially unveiling their own charity called Love Amelia.

It will help other people who are experiencing hardships in the Sunderland area.

Steph said: “We are in the process of starting a charity and doing it in Amelia’s name.”

Despite all her help for others, Steph was stunned to be told she had been nominated for an award.

“It’s a bit of a shock and I am taken aback,” she admitted.

“But I am humbled and honoured and it is lovely that someone has thought of me.”

It comes after Steph’s inspiring work to help others despite her own tragedy.

Steph, 25, an adult social worker, and Phil, 29, a Nissan worker, had been told at their 20-week scan that Amelia had a series of conditions and would not survive, .

But the couple decided to go on with the pregnancy and spend as much time as they could with their girl.

They were supported by the Washington-based 4Louis charity, with the couple donating £2,970 to fund its memory box project through a funday and a series of other efforts.

Their own memory box helped them gather mementoes including footprints and a camera so they could capture photos to keep.

The couple then gifted more than £650 collected through a family funday at Fulwell Methodist Church.

The short-and-sweet nomination for Steph simply said: “amazing and courageous lady.”

Related: Brave toddler becomes first Child of Courage nominee

But it’s enough to put Steph in the running for a trophy and she joins a growing list of nominations.

This year’s Best of Wearside Awards has backing from headline sponsor BGL Group, partner sponsor Gentoo and category sponsors Stagecoach and Calsonic Kansei.

We thank them all for getting on board, and now comes your turn to get involved.

Send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into. Also, send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known). Send all of that to Lynn Wild by no later than mid-February.

You can nominate in any one of three ways:

•Email those entries to [email protected].

•Send them to Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.

•Visit the website at www.bestofwearside.co.uk.

The categories

Local Hero.

Green Champion.

Student of the Year.

Fundraiser of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year.

Sporting Achievement.

Community Group.

Community Champion.

Child of Achievement.

Child of Courage.