AN Atherton man has been recognised for helping a cause close to his heart.

Martin Jones, who was father to a stillborn baby boy called Guy, has been shortlisted for The Closer Star Fundraiser Award by charity Tommy’s.

The Tommy’s Awards is in its 23rd year and recognises heroes and families who have been affected by pregnancy complications or the loss of a baby.

The 33-year-old was nominated for his mother-in-law Valerie Thorpe after running two 10k events and raising around £1,500.

He also has plans to complete the London 20k to raise awareness of the charity who help families who have experienced the same situation as him and his wife, Samantha.

Valerie said: “Martin is the angel dad of my stillborn grandson, Guy, and he has tirelessly supported his wife Samantha.

“So often, dads are forgotten for their role behind the scenes which involves supporting their partner with the day-to-day difficulties coping with their loss of a baby.

“However, we fail to recognise that these men too have lost a child.”

The award Martin has been nominated for recognises an extraordinary individual who has gone above and beyond to fundraise in their community on behalf of Tommy’s.

Valerie added: “Martin, to us, is the unsung hero in our fundraising efforts.”

There will be a host of other accolades awarded at The Tommy’s, which are voted for by the public, including Super Sibling, Little Champion and Doting Dad.

Prizes for Inspirational Mum, Inspirational Family and Healthcare Hero will also be handed out.

The awards also recognise the best family-friendly companies such as Best Baby Clothes Retailer and Best Beauty Product for Mums.

The winners of the awards will take place at a ceremony in London on March 16.

Every year in the UK, one in four parents lose a baby through a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.

There are also 60,000 babies that are born prematurely each year.