A FAMILY has spoken of their devastation after their daughter was stillborn.

Mak Kelson and Kirsty Pile were told the devastating news on April 3 that the heartbeat of their precious first child Alecia Ocean had stopped.

To add to their heartbreak, the couple, of Rogerstone, then had to go through the agony of waiting a further four days for Miss Pile to go into labour and for Alecia Ocean to be delivered.

They then held their beautiful little girl in their arms for the first time to say their final goodbyes.

Mr Kelson said: "It has just been heartbreaking. When we were at the hospital we saw other people with their babies - that cut me up.

"We had everything ready. Everything was bought and now it's just gone. It's all gone away."

Alecia Ocean had been due on March 27 and the couple had gone to see their midwife on April 3. It was then that they were faced with the tragic news their baby's heartbeat had stopped. They were referred to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, where doctors confirmed the devastating news.

Miss Pile went back to the hospital on the morning of April 5 where she stayed until she went into labour at around 5.10pm on April 7.

Alecia Ocean was stillborn at 10pm that evening weighing 7lbs 14oz.

The couple said: "She was so peaceful and a beautiful little girl. We always ask ourselves: "Why us?" That will constantly be on our minds.

"For us, and perhaps the strangest things, is that we are still her parents. We will still be mum and dad."

The couple thanked midwives at the Royal Gwent Hospital for their support as well as members of their family including Miss Pile's parents Sue and Len and her auntie Jennie Bristow.

A funeral service will be held at Gwent Crematorium tomorrow (April 23) at 9.30am. People are asked to wear bright colours. Family members will be placing pink roses on Alecia Ocean's coffin while friends are invited to place white roses.

Donations are asked to be made in lieu to Kim Chorley, Antenatal, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.