A FAMILY devastated by their son’s stillbirth has tackled a gruelling fundraiser, with friends, in his memory.

Vanessa and Karl Blacklock, of Frizington, faced unimaginable heartache when their son Buddy was stillborn in November.

In recognition of the support by the labour ward at West Cumberland Hospital, the Blacklocks set out to give something back.

Last Saturday, a 27-strong team aimed to “get muddy for Buddy” at the Born Survivor assault course to raise awareness and cash.

Money will pay for a wireless CTG machine for the labour ward to allow mums to move around while having their babies monitored.

Vanessa said: “We wanted to do something in memory of Buddy and we wanted to do something for the hospital, they were great with us.”

The 28-year-old mum suffered a difficult pregnancy. She had video link meetings with consultants at Newcastle and scans at West Cumberland Hospital.

“We went in for a scan [at 29 weeks], when when we got here they couldn’t find the heartbeat.” Shortly after, she gave birth to Buddy who was stillborn.

“We were devastated,” she said. “I don’t think anybody can describe how you feel. It had a massive impact on the whole family.”

Vanessa said Buddy weighed 920 grams and was “perfectly formed”.

Special hand prints casts have been made for the family to remember him by.

Vanessa, mum to Daisy, aged seven, and Poppy, aged five, said giving birth to a stillborn baby causes “so much suffering”.

“There is so many who go through it and don’t say anything,” she said.

The “get muddy for Buddy” team has helped to raise cash for the hospital and awareness of still births.

Vanessa thanked everyone for their donations and support including trainers at Eat Train Live, who helped them to get in shape for the course.

“It was a challenging day but great fun and we certainly made some memories,” she said.

The obstacle course, near Penrith, involved 33 obstacles over 10km – with participants getting muddy, climbing over walls and under freezing river water.

To donate, go to www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Muddy-For-Buddy