Inspired by the loss of her baby, a Pembroke woman is offering support to others who experience the same tragedy.

Eight years ago Natalie Foley, of Monkton, lost her son Thomas after he was stillborn prematurely at six months.

The 29-year-old said she didn’t have the support she needed at the time and it wasn’t until she began her training recently to become a midwife that she discovered the Sands charity.

The stillbirth and neonatal death charity is a national organisation offering support to anyone affected by the death of a baby.

However, the student midwife found there were no groups offering this support in the county and teamed up with Donna Harry to set up a Pembrokeshire branch.

Natalie said: “I just want others to know they are not alone, that there are people out there who can offer an understanding of what they are going through.”

The pair have completed training and are official befrienders who play an important role in offering support and a forum for bereaved parents to share their experiences.

The first group meeting took place last month. Meetings will be held every second Wednesday, from 7pm to 9pm at Red Roses community hall. For details, e-mail Natalie at pembrokeshiresands@yahoo.co.uk or call the Sands helpline on 020 7436 5881.