FOR Andrew and Rachel Canter, October 29, 2005 will be a day they’ll never forget.

Their son, Jake, was stillborn after they were sent on a 27-minute detour when a hospital’s maternity unit was closed to new admissions.

Since then, the Welwyn couple has been determined to ensure Jake left a lasting legacy, setting up the National Maternity Support Foundation (NMSF) in his memory.

And that vow has now been cemented with a new award.

In partnership with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), NMSF has set up an honour to recognise the importance of bereavement midwife care.

The NMSF Award for Bereavement Care – which has become part of the RCM’s annual awards ceremony – will provide a yearly bursary.

“Jake’s Scholarship” will enable NHS midwives with at least five years’ experience to undertake specialist training with the aim of practising as a bereavement counsellor in a maternity setting.

Mr Canter, NMSF chairman and also a Welwyn Hatfield borough councillor, said: “We were extremely proud to attend the RCM Midwifery Awards in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal.

“This was our first year as sponsor of the newly-created category for excellence in bereavement care.

“It was an incredible day and one we will never forget, the beginning of the next phase for Jake to leave a positive legacy.”

The first winners of Jake’s Scholarship were Jayne Welch and Barbara Hanson, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Canter, of Turpins Chase in Oaklands, added: “We are delighted the NMSF scholarship will be going to such a dedicated and passionate team.”