Like most expectant mothers, Kasia Malinkska spent much of her pregnancy reading information books and watching birthing programmes.

In doing so, she came across a BBC2 programme called Toughest Place to be a Midwife which opened her eyes to the plight of other mums-to-be in poor parts of the world, such as Liberia.

From the programme Kasia learned one in 25 babies delivered there were stillborn or dead within just 24 hours of birth.

“I watched that programme when I was eight  months pregnant and cried through the whole thing,” remembers Kasia.

“Like any other average Western family, I had everything I needed months before my baby was born: a beautiful and functional pram, a cot that matched our furniture, countless babygrows and hundreds of the best nappies.

“My husband and family catered to my every need, making sure I was well fed and comfortable – everything was perfect.”

“What I saw really opened my eyes and made me think of the millions of women around the world, who look down on their pregnant bellies and have nothing and can only hope for the best,” she added.

After Kasia gave birth to Leon safely at the Countess of Chester Hospital she decided to do something to help others who weren’t as fortunate as she was.

So she did some research and discovered the Women and Children First charity.

In Leon’s name Kasia donated a sum of money to the charity and had the brainwave of raising awareness by turning  her son’s welcoming party into a fundraiser for them.

That she did, last month and raised almost £300 after guests were asked not to bring gifts, and instead make a donation to Women and Children First.

“Me and my husband were overjoyed to have him and wanted to do everything we can so that more parents can experience the happiness that we feel, being with our beautiful baby boy,” Kasia said.

“We raised £287.50 and are very happy to have been able to do this little bit to help.

“Leon is amazing and every day he wakes up and smiles at us, we remember how lucky we are to have him.

“We hope to be able to do more for Women and Children First in the future.”