A BABY who died at the tender age of just six weeks old has left a lasting legacy - by helping save the life of two other children.

Emily Ridgwell’s parents Pete and Amanda, both 33, from Copmanthorpe, took the decision to donate her organs to help others when she passed away at Martin House Children’s Hospice shortly after she was born in January 2015.

They first became aware the decision had been successful when, in August 2015, they were told a seven-month-old girl had received one of Emily’s heart valves.

Now the parents who have since raised thousands of pound for Martin House have revealed another one-month-old girl has also received one of Emily’s valves.

Mr Ridgwell said: “We saw a poster in the hospital about donating organs and asked the doctors if that was something we could do.

“I think the doctors were happy we mentioned it and we took it upon ourselves to set something up. It’s a beacon of light in a sea of darkness.

“At the time it was something positive and something nice to say and do to remember from the whole thing, and I’m sure as time goes by we will feel better and better about it.”

The parents, who have a son Jack, aged one, are expecting another baby girl on May 29.

They have set about turning the experience into something positive and recently held their second Emily’s Ball on January 27 at York Racecourse, raising £14,500 for Martin House.

Mr Ridgwell added: “The first ball was held on what would have been Emily’s first birthday. Her birthday was the most painful day in the diary, so we decided to do something positive on that day.”

The first ball was held in January 2016 and raised £12,000. The couple hope to hold one every two years and have planned their third Emily’s Ball for February 1, 2020. To find out more go to emilysball.co.uk

It isn't known what caused Emily's death as despite numerous tests, nothing could be confirmed, and the couple were simply told that some babies just don't take to the world.