Inspirational mum nominated for Butterfly Award after she lost her son through still birth

Four years ago, Diane Mears set up business, Liberty Rainne after she lost her son Rainn through still birth and has since been nominated for a Butterfly Award for her personalised gifts.

The businesswoman is aiming to support “angel families” in their grief, by providing bespoke presents such as wooden initials, memory frames and comfort boxes, which can be used to dress babies memorial gardens and gravesides.

Mrs Mears said: “Born from the loss of our son, we have created a unique business, offering beautiful handmade keepsakes and gifts to comfort those on a similar journey to us.

“Knowing first hand the pain experienced, we have built a collection of personalised gifts unusual in their type, but perfectly suited to the very sensitive, difficult and often deeply emotional reality that child loss can be.”

Mrs Mears was due to be expecting twins back in 2012 when she miscarried one baby after nine weeks.

After the 20-week scan she found out Rainn was poorly and just after 31 weeks, Rainn’s heartbeat couldn’t be found.

She added: “I had all the time in the world to think about funeral arrangements. I didn’t want sympathy or in loving memory cards. I wanted our son to be celebrated as if he were alive.

“He was still my little boy, he lived inside of me, his big sister, his daddy, and our family. We weren’t pretending he hadn’t died, we were celebrating his little life rather than mourning his loss. I found there was nothing in between ‘sorry for your loss’ or ‘new birth cards’.

“So many people who have got in touch with Liberty Rainne lost their children years ago. I try so hard not to make the presents about death. These keepsakes encourage children to still be a big brother or sister and help to celebrate birthdays as if they were still alive.”

Mrs Mears told the Chronicle and Echo that she never intended for her business venture to be a success and has now taken on three extra staff to deal with demand.

The business woman has been nominated for the ‘Cherished Keepsake’ award and the ceremony will take place on October 15 at Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf in Worcester.

Voting ends tonight at 8pm. To vote for Liberty Rainne, see link: https://thebutterflyawards.com/2016/09/20/cherished-keepsake-diane-mears-libertyrainne-profile-page/