BABIES are taking the plunge to help raise £100,000 for a charity which funds research into the causes of miscarriage and stillbirth.

The Splash-athon ’09 event is supported by Water Babies - an organisation which teaches young children to swim.

Several Water Babies groups across the North East and North Yorkshire are involved in the scheme, which aims to raise money for the Tommy’s baby charity.

Debby Watt, who runs the Tees Valley Water Babies group, said: "For many parents, the sight of their baby doing an underwater glide swim, or swimming through a hoop for the first time is a very proud moment.

"And doing it as their first ever fundraising activity makes it particularly special. Tommy's is a cause we and our clients are only too pleased to support."

As well as research, Tommy’s works to raise awareness of the facts about miscarriage and stillbirth.

The charity, which is chaired by McLaren F1 boss Ron Dennis, provides a dedicated telephone midwife service, a comprehensive website and free books and leaflets dedicated to promoting health in pregnancy and pre-pregnancy.

It also funds three research centres in the UK, including St Thomas' in London, St Mary's in Manchester and the recently established Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, which focus on different issues relating to pregnancy.

Jane Brewin, Tommy's chief executive, said: "We are so grateful to Water Babies for supporting us once more."

For more information on Water Babies classes phone 01642-313003 or www.waterbabies.co.uk.