A BEREAVED mum who set up a group to help other parents in Swindon has been recognised for her work.

Cathy Milburn has been crowned the latest winner of the Adver’s Unsung Hero award and was presented with a bouquet of flowers from florist George Lesley.

In 2007 Cathy gave birth to a stillborn baby, Adam, and since then she has made it her aim to offer support for families going through the same pain in Swindon.

She set up the group Swindon Stillbirths and Neo-natal Death charity group (SANDS) in 2008 and the group has grown over the years.

Cathy said: “It was really cute that they nominated me and I was really moved by it.

“I helped set up the Swindon group after I lost my son in 2007.

“My husband and I found there wasn’t the support in Swindon for people like us so the group was set up in 2008.

“The whole purpose of the group is to support families and make sure people don’t feel alone.

“We never wanted the group to grow because that meant there were more families going through the same pain as us, but it has and they all appreciate having it there to go to.

“I am delighted to get the award and overwhelmed.”

Cathy was nominated by Gemma Parsons, who lost her child five years ago.

She said: “The reason she deserves the award is for her dedication and support she has given to the charity SANDS.

“If it wasn't for her there wouldn't be a support group in Swindon helping families get through the most horrendous experience of losing a child.

“She has also helped with getting a Bath group set up and organises events such as creating memory boxes for the Bath and Swindon hospital to give out to bereaved parents.

“Last year she co-ordinated the Swindon SANDS memorial garden at Kingsdown Crematorium, along with sorting a bereavement suite at the Swindon hospital for parents to deliver their stillborn baby.”

For more information about the group, visit www.swindonsands.org or email admin@swindonsands.org or leave a message on 01793 238788.