A MOTHER whose first baby was stillborn has said she is delighted that an appeal to provide a hospital bereavement suite for other parents has reached its target.

Annika Dowson, who lives in Helmsley with her husband, James, helped launch Scarborough Hospital's Snowdrop Appeal with the aim of raising £120,000, last year.

The couple get involved with the campaign after their daughter, Gypsy, was stillborn at the hospital on October 30, 2008, at 39 weeks In just under 18 months the appeal has topped that target helped by fundraising from Annika and James including sponsored walks, a calendar and Snow Ball at The Downs Arms in Wykeham.

"I actually found out that the target had been reached on October 30, which was the six years since Gypsy passed away , however I had to keep it quiet until the night of the ball, " Annika said.

"When I found out the money had been raised I had all sorts of emotions going through my head - thrilled that the target had been raised but also sad that there were going to be people who would have to use the bereavement suite."

"In some ways it brought it all back and I was grieving again for Gypsy, " she added, Annika said she was pleased that other parents would have the support and facilities they needed at the hospital.

"When I lost Gypsy I wasn't aware of my surroundings but looking back I couldn't believe how basic the room was," she added.

"I was taken to the labour ward and put in a room at the end of the corridor which had a bed for me, equipment for labour and a bathroom I could use, but nothing for my family.

Annika said: "Due to the rooms location I could hear other women going through labour and hear their babies cry. This was such a hard thing to deal with when I knew that wasn't going to be the same for me and that my baby would not scream, but be born silent.

"Work can now get underway to improve that and I have also been asked to help advise on what facilities are needed."

Annika and James, who have a three-year-old son, Nathanial, personally raised over £8,000 with support from family and friends, some of whom had also lost a child.

"We would like to thank everyone who has donated and held an event from jumping out of planes to hosting a quiz night - everyone had been amazing," Annika said.

"They will help make a difference to the lives of those families who are in such tragic situations.

Annika said one of her aims was also to raise awareness and help others in the same situation and encourage them to talk about it.

"I got a lot of help from the Ryedale Lions who provided us with a short break when I really needed it and which meant so much to my family," she added.

"Hopefully in the end year I can look at doing something more locally to help other people who have suffered the loss of a child through stillbirth, miscarriage or soon after birth as I do feel there is a real need in Ryedale."

* The Snowdrop Appeal calendar is still available in Pickering at Something for the weekend Sir?, Sams Hair Boutique and Taylors of Pickering as well as the Coop, Libby Butler Jewellers, Eiljah Todds Newsagents and Sugared Butterfly Café in Helmsley.