A MOTHER whose son died just after birth is trying to raise the profile of the charity that gave her vital support.
Anne Lennon, 30, of Bramble Drive, Westbury, suffered "every parent's worst nightmare" five years ago when her son suffered a neonatal death.
Mrs Lennon, has organised a forget-me-not walk next month through the grounds of Longleat House in Warminster to raise funds and awareness for the Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society.
She will walk with volunteers to Heaven's Gate and release a single yellow balloon in memory of all stillborn and neonatal babies.
It is part of a national campaign to boost the profile of SANDS, who plan to release 5,500 balloons in London on the same day.
Mrs Lennon said: "It is every parent's worst nightmare and was so hard for me to deal with. At first I didn't want to talk to anybody I didn't know because that is the type of person I am.
"But when I talked to volunteers at SANDS they had all been through the same thing and just knew what to say."
Mrs Lennon said SANDS was not as high-profile as other charities but they provide crucial support and need to be recognised.
"Stillborn and neonatal children often don't get talked about because people still find it very difficult," she said.
"It is a massive problem and sometimes you need to talk to someone that has gone through the same thing."
Mrs Lennon and husband Mark, 32, now have two more children, Sean, four, and six-month-old Maddie. She said the walk was open to anyone and is asking for a £5 donation to the charity.
She said: "It won't be a long walk, it's only about 20 minutes up there and the scenery is really beautiful. We will be having a picnic as well.
"I will release one single balloon in memory of all the children that have died and we are also asking for donations to go towards SANDS.
"You don't have to have lost a child to come along, even if you know someone that has been through it, just come along, everyone is welcome."
Neal Long, director of SANDS said: "She really is doing a wonderful job in raising awareness for SANDS."
Families are meeting at 11am at the Heaven's Gate car park on June 4.
For more details contact Mrs Lennon on (01373) 858515.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article