LUKE and Gemma Froude always felt the first birthday of their tragic premature son Finnley was going to be difficult.

So they will mark the January 29 birthday with a bid to help others by holding a fundraising day for the Support for Sick Newborn And their Parents charity.

Mrs Froude was admitted to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital 25 weeks pregnant in January with mild pre-eclampsia. Finnley was born 12 weeks premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, less than a bag of sugar, and was cared for in the neo-natal intensive care unit.

He grew to 7lb 14oz but his heart was not strong enough to survive what doctors believe was an infection. He died in June.

Finnley’s Day will be held at Banbury Town Hall, Bridge Street, from 10am to 4pm and will include stalls, food and competitions.

Mrs Froude, 29, of Appleby Close, Banbury, said: “We decided to organise Finnley’s Day because we wanted to be busy on what would be his first birthday.

“We didn’t want to be sad and moping around. We decided to do something for Support for Sick Newborn And their Parents.

“SSNAP help supply much needed equipment to the neo-natal intensive care unit, help train the nurses and support a family liaison officer who is there for the parents.”

The couple have raised about £11,500 for the charity and hope to raise another £1,000 at the event.

Bibby Finance, Mr Froude’s employer, will add another £1,000.

The 30-year-old overcame his fear of heights to abseil down the side of the hospital’s women’s centre.

Other fundraising events included car boot sales and a work tuck shop.

The cash has so far helped to furnish a family room at the neo-natal intensive care unit at the Oxford hospital.

The family room is named after the youngster.

Mrs Froude, a children’s nursery manager, said: “We wanted to create a fete kind of feel, so there will be loads of games and things for people to play.

“We want Finnley’s Day to be a huge success.”

She said of the last six months: “We are both well — we have good days and bad.

“We are very proud of Finnley and we will always remember him and our journey.

“The charity work helps us give something back.”

Stalls at the event will sell cards, cakes, books, face painting, crafts, knitted items and toys and games such as tin can alley and lucky dip.

Raffle prizes will include karting in Banbury and tickets to the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Anyone who wants to donate any items for the raffle, knitting and cake stalls at Finnley’s Day should contact Mrs Froude on 07795 234 292 or Mr Froude on 07717 710 262.