JODIE Drake lost her baby after a horrific 17-hour labour and now wants to help other mothers who experience the pain of a stillbirth.
The 23-year-old, of South Woodham Ferrers, fell pregnant two years ago and, although the birth wasn't planned, she was excited about becoming a mum.
But when she suffered painful contractions six months into the pregnancy, the estate agent was forced to give birth to her dead daughter with no painkillers.
She said: "It was just horrific. I was rushed to Broomfield Hospital at 8pm, after having a nice day with my family.
"They had just been saying how happy and well I looked when I got really bad stomach cramps."
After being examined by consultants at Broomfield Hospital, Jodie was taken to St John's Hospital maternity ward.
"There was an emergency in the room next to me," said Jodie.
"So I was left alone, but I was told that I was going to have a stillbirth.
"They told me that my daughter might cry but that I wasn't to get my hopes up. I had contractions all night and then, at 6am, my waters broke. I had no pain killers, I was in agony.
"Then my baby's hands fell out, but that was it. I was absolutely devastated and gave birth to Jennifer at 11am.
"I was alone in the room when I gave birth, so I screamed and my mum came. It was hell.
"It has taken me a long, long time to get over it. I have not even spread her ashes yet but now I feel like it is the right time to do something in her memory."
Jodie is holding a charity fete at the Shaw Farm Country Pub and Restaurant on September 30, from noon to 6pm.
There will be a bouncy castle, face-painting, a raffle, a lucky dip and cakes. All money and proceeds will go to Sands (Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths).
Jodie added: "I now feel ready to do this and really want to help other women in my position.
"I am preparing for my wedding and really want children, although I am scared that this will happen again. There is no explanation over why I had a stillbirth.
"My baby was healthy but that is something that Sands works towards. They want to put more money into the research of why women have stillbirths."
