A HAMPSHIRE woman is set to run 12 half marathons in the space of a year after losing her grandson to stillbirth.

Penny Mills is setting out to take on the thigh-burning races, including for ABP Southampton Marathon, to raise money for stillborn and neonatal death charity SANDS.

It comes after she lost her grandson Arthur, who was a stillborn after his heart stopped beating at 33 weeks last November.

SANDS aims to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.

Penny said: "Arthur's heart stopped beating at 33 weeks and five days, then he was born two days later. The very special support my family received at Frimley Park Hospital and from SANDS is what helped us through a very difficult time.

"One in every 250 pregnancies are still born in the UK, with approximately 8 babies every day being stillborn.”

Kate Warne, Community Liaison Officer at ReesLeisure, said: “Many of the participants at the ABP Southampton Marathon event run to fundraise for charity and we are always overwhelmed by the inspiring stories we hear.

"We wish Penny all the best for her incredible 12 in 12 challenge and we can’t wait to cheer her on.”

Penny will run in ABP Southampton Marathon to support SANDS on April 26.

If you would like to run for charity like Penny, visit https://www.abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk/run-for-charity/.