Dawn Sykes hopes the ninemile sponsored walk will help the
Miscarriage Association and the chaplaincy at St James' Hospital
in Leeds by raising funds and awareness.

On March 26, Dawn and nine friends will walk from the association's
centre at Clayton Hospital in Wakefield to the Bull's Head in
Ravensthorpe, releasing balloons at both locations.

The women will also wear Tshirts, donated by Asda and designed by friend Abbi Leigh Smith, with stars representing the children lost through miscarriage.

Dawn, of Rochester Road, Birstall, who had her first miscarriage 22
years ago, had the idea for the walk after she was told to lose weight for health reasons.

"She said: "It's a thank you. They say time is a healer and it is in some respects, but it's only now I've got that support I'm getting
better. In the time before I lost my children, I lost my mum as well.
I'm learning now to grieve and let go."

Dawn's personal trainer Anita Wright, 35, is helping her to organise
the fundraisers.

"Dawn has been terribly affected by miscarriage," she said. "I think it's very brave of her to do this and go public. It's a very personal
thing."

She said their Facebook page Awareness of the Impact of Miscarriage
– Self Help had already got women talking about their experiences.

Dawn, 46, added: "It's not just the woman that's affected. It's the
family, the children around you. My husband Phil lost his children,
Gemma lost brothers and sisters. It's not really highlighted."

On March 27, Dawn and Anita will host a racy ladies' night at the
Bull's Head. They are on the look out for men willing to be auctioned off as slaves for the day during the fundraiser.

Phone Anita on 07726 923867 or Dawn on 07790 362915 to buy ladies' night tickets, £5 in advance only, or volunteer for the auction. To
support the fundraising visit www.justgiving.com/anitawright.