A CHARITY set up to help bereaved families coming to terms with stillbirth is to hold an event this weekend to plant flowers in memory of a loved one.

The Durham and Wearside branch of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, is to hold a "Forget Me Not" plant sale in Herrington Country Park, opposite Penshaw Monument.

Parents affected by the death of a baby can buy flowers or plants on the day, which can either be planted in the park or taken home.

The plant sale takes place from 11am to noon on Sunday, May 15.

Ashleigh Corker, from Chester-le-Street, is secretary of Durham Sands. She was left devastated three years ago when her second son, Thomas, was stillborn.

She said: "This is the second year we've held the event and following on from last year's success we've ordered lots more flowers.

"With 17 babies stillborn or dying shortly after birth every day in the UK, the death of a baby creates a ripple effect through a huge number of family, extended family and friends.

"We hope our 'Forget Me Not' plant sale provides an opportunity for everyone, including long-ago bereaved parents, to come together and spend a few reflective moments remembering their babies.'

To find out more about the 'Forget Me Not' plant sale, please contact Ashleigh Corker at events@durham-sands.org.