A GRIEVING couple whose newborn baby died on Christmas Day have created a children's memorial garden at their local church.
Mark and Joanne Schofield lost daughter Evie Elizabeth - their first child together - just six hours after she was born late on Christmas Eve 2013.
They have now turned part of the grounds of St John's Church in Penistone - where Evie's ashes are buried - into an area for parents to remember their children with the support of vicars Rev Anne Parr and Rev David Hopkin.
Teacher Joanne, 36, said: "As you can imagine, our world has been completely turned upside down.
"If, sadly, other children pass away, we would like parents to take comfort in them being buried in a beautiful place, as we do."
Mark, 45, and Joanne, of Ashfield Close, Penistone, also want to repay the support shown by the church by sprucing up other areas of the churchyard.
They intend to tidy the grounds and plant flowers and shrubs and would like help from local businesses with the cost of buying the plants.
Anyone who wishes to support the couple's churchyard plans should call Mark on 07715949236.
