A FAMILY affected by stillbirth has raised more than £1,000 for a charity which offered them invaluable support.

Louise Holder and Nic Francis' family wanted to give something back to Gloucestershire Branch of the Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society (Sands). So they walked the length of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, raising money along the way.

Their son Karim was stillborn in June last year – one of 17 babies stillborn every day in the UK.

The 17 walkers walked the 17-mile length from Gloucester Docks to Sharpness Docks. They laid a rose at every mile point along the way.

Louise, from Tuffley, only discovered complications with Karim 12-18 hours before his birth at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

"It was supposed to be the most joyous day of their lives and it was the saddest," said walk organiser Mike Hartland, who is Louise's uncle. "SANDS contacted them and were very supportive."

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/karim-lewis- nicholas-francis-holder.