A Tees Valley couple who lost their baby on the day he was born have set up the North-east's first Snowdrop Walk.

Julie and Dave Kilpatrick wanted to give something back to the Child Bereavement Charity so on Sunday 24th February they invited bereaved parents to Hardwick Park in Sedgefield to plant snowdrops in remembrance of children they had lost.

In the first hour, more than 100 people passed through and began creating a sea of white flowers along the Grand Terrace before enjoying a walk around the park.

"We had been trying for 15 years for a family," said Dave. "We were devastated at the time.

The couple, who come from Darlington and Thornaby but now live in Sedgefield, hope to hold the remembrance walk every year.

"Hopefully it will be an annual event and we can fill the park full of snowdrops," said Dave.

"It's about giving something back because the charity did so much for us."

Julie added: "It's just nice to be able to remember.

"Everyone deals with things differently but this is a nice way of enjoying an afternoon walk."

Snowdrops planted on the day were donated by Robin King of Croft and Green Lane Nurseries in Trimdon. Hardwick Hall also donated 50% of proceeds from the day's refreshments, and at the end of the day more than £800 was made!

Jenni Thomas, founder of the charity which holds a similar event in the south, said: "We have wanted for a long time to have something to mark the Child Bereavement Charity here in the North-east and this feels very special.

"It feels like it has been done with a lot of thought and it's very moving."

Julie and David Kilpatrick

For more information please contact the Child Bereavement Charity on 01494 479746 or emma.carter@childbereavement.org.uk [1]

This article was taken by the Evening Gazette on Tuesday 26th February.  Please click here [2]to see the full article.