MORE than 70 people walked a mile from the centre of Devizes to Hillworth Park to raise awareness and money for a charity that provides support to bereaved parents.

Teresa Steele, who runs the Devizes branch of SANDS to help families who have suffered a stillbirth or neo-natal death, organised the 'walk a mile in our shoes' event for SANDS awareness month.

Mrs Steele, from Market Lavington, whose baby was stillborn six years ago, said: "I went really well and the weather was definitely on our side. There were people there who we have not seen before who have links to SANDS and it is good to see."

The walk, which began at 11.30am on Sunday, and ended with a picnic in Hillworth Park, was also organised to raise money for a memorial statue in the park, something which has been supported by the town council.

Mrs Steele said: "The Swindon branch has put up a memorial and we thought it would be a good idea to have one in Devizes where people can go to get some comfort. We want it to be in a public place where lots of families can go.

"It will take us a while to raise the money as it will cost approximately £15,000 but if we can get this month's money up to £1,000 then it will be great for the first big fundraiser we have done."

The mother-of-two lost her first baby when she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 29 weeks and her baby died in the womb. She became aware of the charity when they gave her a memory box to take home after going through the trauma of the birth at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

"If anyone wants to contact SANDS, we have been through it ourselves and we are understanding of the different stages they could be going through," Mrs Steele added.

Members of Devizes branch meet at St James Parish Rooms on the last Thursday of the month from 7.30-9.30pm. Donations can also be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DevizesSands.