After nine long hours spent giving birth, Stessa Short not only produced a beautiful baby boy, but also raised more than £250 for the animal charity by being sponsored for the number of hours she was in labour.

Stessa, 20, of Burlington Road, Colchester, had done voluntary work for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the past and wanted to do something extra special to raise funds for the charity.

And so she decided the arrival of baby Harry, who was finally born nearly two weeks late last Thursday morning at 2.45am, would give her the perfect opportunity to do just that. She said: "The birth wasn't as bad as I thought it would be as time seems to flow together when you are in pain. "Now he is here I just sit around and stare at him as he is so beautiful." Stessa was due to give birth on July 15, but had to wait an extra 13 days in the gruelling summer heat before Harry decided it was finally time to be born, weighing in at 8lbs 12oz. Although getting used to being a mother has meant Stessa is yet to start collecting in her charity cash, she said she was very grateful to everyone who had sponsored and supported her throughout her pregnancy.

Proud parents - Stessa Short with partner Ross and baby Harry

Picture: TERRY WEEDEN

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