A COUPLE whose first child was stillborn are taking part in a charity walk this weekend accompanied by their local MP.

Annika and James Dowson, who lives in Helmsley with their son Nathaniel, have campaigned to raise awareness of the death of a baby after the couple’s daughter, Gypsy, was stillborn in 2008.

The couple are aiming to complete the 42-mile Lyke Wake Walk from Osmotherley to Ravenscar within 24 hours. They will be joined by other walkers who have all been affected by child loss along with Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake.

Annika said: “As June is SANDS awareness month it seemed appropriate to do something for the charity.

“There are 16 of us walking this walk, some of us have met before some of us haven’t, all I can say is we aren’t all super fit, we aren’t all young, we are just people who have been touched by some very precious babies who are always in our hearts - Isaac, Elspbeth Rose, Gypsy, Amy and Evie.

“Saying hello and goodbye to our precious angels takes all our strength, if we can help other grieving families to make special memories, by supporting SANDS during this month then this walk is 100% worth doing.”

Mr Hollinrake said: “I was absolutely delighted to have been asked to do the Lake Lyke Walk by Annika and I’m really looking forward to it, as is my son, Charlie.

"It will be a wonderful tribute to those babies and a great way to raise money for SANDS, which provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby.

"I have learnt so much from the Dowsons and admire the work they have done to raise awareness about stillbirth and neonatal death.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Annika and James and should visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sands-gypsydowson.