A MOTHER who battled cancer for 18-months during which her grandson was born stillborn has raised thousands of pounds to help families who face similar trauma.

Selina Humphreys, from Llandyrnog, was “very overwhelmed” with the support she received to raise £3,000 for charity after a difficult year in which she also lost her cousin and best friend. A bingo night, held at Llandyrnog Community Hall on November 8, was attended by members of the village community and surrounding towns, just three months after her family’s loss.

There were more than 50 prizes including money and vouchers donated by Vale of Clwyd businesses and residents. Mrs Humphreys, who volunteers in the café and washes kit at Llandyrnog FC, where her partner Russ Moorcroft plays, even received a £100 donation from opposition team Henllan FC.

The sum will be donated to Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal birth charity which Mrs Humphreys said is “close to my heart” for the support it provided for her daughter, who wishes not to be named. The charity offers services including advice, trained counselling and a memory box with a toy, letter, kit to make handprints and footprints.

“They were always at the other end of the phone if we ever needed to call,” she said.

“Hopefully the money raised will help the charity to support other families.”

Mrs Humphreys’ effort was celebrated by her stepfather Stephen, who said he is “very, very proud” and “could not admire her more”.

“Selina wanted some good to come out of such a tragic event and decided to raise money but she did not expect to raise so much,” he said.

“Selina has been a rock and we do not know where she has found the strength.”