THE founder of a Bridgwater charity will be attending the Women of the Year Lunch as a 2016 'Woman of Achievement'.

Mel Scott, 37, is attending in recognition of her work supporting grieving parents who have lost their babies in pregnancy, during childbirth or as an infant.

In 2009, Mel set up Towards Tomorrow Together because she felt there was a lack of support for grieving parents. Following the loss of her son Finley, who died during pregnancy, she wanted to help other parents in similar circumstance and the charity creates a brilliant support network.

It provides a variety of resources and services including: Butterfly Boxes to help create memories, cold cots, support groups and help in their next pregnancy.

Mrs Scott has been a qualified Occupational Therapist for over 15 years, and has worked in the mental health service for 13 years. She is also a teacher and a life coach. To aid her own healing, following the loss of her son, she wrote a journal after they left hospital, which later became the book 'After Finley'.

Mrs Scott said: “Though I had experienced an early miscarriage in 2008, my pregnancy with Finley was beautiful and problem free. I hadn’t considered the fact that I’d not be bringing him home.

"Sadly in 2009 he became distressed during labour, and I awoke from an emergency caesarean to discover that I had a little boy, who would never open his eyes.

"The three days we spent in hospital together with Finley, as a family, helped us create memories that we treasure to this day. We have photographs, videos, keepsakes and mementoes from his short life. The aftercare that we received has inspired me to share our story with others, bringing hope to parents and improving service provision, through my charity Towards Tomorrow Together, and through the resources and services and training that I provide.

"It is an honour to receive this recognition for my work. There has been many sleepless nights and tears shed over the years as for as many people I am able to help, there are hundreds more who walk this journey alone.

"It is shocking to realise that since Finley died 7 years ago, around 28,000 other UK families have had their hearts broken – even more devastating that up to 50 per cent of these deaths may be preventable.

"I hope that our story, and my work will make a difference in inspiring a further reduction in the stillbirth rate alongside the improvements in care that I am passionate about.”

Mel will be one of 400 guests - each regarded as a 'Woman of the Year' - at the event which takes place on October 17 at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel.