A GRIEVING family shared tears of joy as they celebrated the life of a much loved mother, tragically snatched from them just after the birth of her baby.

Laura Newland’s son Jaxson was seven weeks old when she died from a blood clot that had grown undetected during pregnancy.

Laura’s mother Marion Cook stepped in to give her baby and older son Callum the loving parent they had lost.

Laura’s family and friends celebrated her birthday and almost a year since her death, raised funds for a bench where they can treasure their memories of her.

Marion described the past year as “ups and downs” but said Callum and Jaxson had helped stem her grief by keeping her focused.

Having brought up her own children, she has had to go back to square one by getting up in the night and changing nappies.

The family had a BBQ on Laura’s birthday a week ago today which Marion said was particularly difficult for Callum, but Friday’s celebration gave him the opportunity to enjoy himself and celebrate his mum.

She added: “Sometimes he doesn’t really say much. I think he doesn’t want to upset me.

“The other day I got a bit upset and he said ‘nanny, are you crying about mummy?

“He keeps saying he misses her. It’s always on his mind, but he doesn’t want to upset me.”

Callum, eight, said: “My nanny is the best because she takes good care of me and takes me out for treats and we always go somewhere fun. She is very kind to me.”

Marion was awarded the Argus Community Stars’ grandparent of the year award to recognise her dedication to the boys.

The party, at the Mile Oak Inn near Laura’s home Foredown Road, Portslade, was organised by her sister Rachel.

Marion said: “It’s given everyone something positive to think about.

“Rachel’s just got a first class degree in accounting and had been working really hard for that, and organising this has given her something to focus on.”

Brother Terry hopes a memorial bench will give the family a space to reflect on happy times with Laura.

He said: “Laura would have absolutely loved this party.

“She always loved a party. The last time I was in this function room was for Rachel’s birthday, and Laura was here. It’s hard.”