Charity ball raises record amount for The Stillborn and Neo-natal Deaths Society (SANDS)

PARENTS suffering the loss of an infant at birth have been given extra support thanks to a record-breaking charity ball.

The Stillborn and Neo-natal Deaths Society (SANDS) received a massive £5,252.53 from organisers of the Posh Frocks and Black Tie Charity Ball held at Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth.

Pictured at the cheque presentation to Sands are, from left, Sands volunteer Lucy Bowers, Midwife Dianne Sykes and charity ball organisers Jenny Jacklin, Sara Wilkinson, Richard Precious and John Wilkinson.

It was the highest amount of cash the Lincolnshire branch had received from a single event.

A total of £1,000 was presented to staff at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and the rest to the specialist SANDS department in Lincoln's hospital.

The department contains a room for parents to spend time with their baby until they are ready to let go.

As reported, SANDS organises for memorial boxes to be made, including pictures and hand and footprints of babies.

Charity spokesman Dr Robert Wilson said: "The Lincolnshire branch would expect to raise that much over a whole year so it is brilliant news.

"On average in Lincolnshire, there are 7,800 births a year and 50 babies die still born or in the first few days of life.

"The work we do is really important for the families that go through it."

Find out which local businesses supported the event in today's Grimsby Telegraph.