A MUM is tackling a daunting 1,084 mile challenge to support bereaved couples who have lost babies.

Steph Banks has teamed up with work colleagues at Payzone in Lostock Gralam in Northwich to raise funds for the Stillborn & Neonatal Death Charity (Sands).

The team hopes to complete the virtual distance from Lands End to John O'Groats on bikes or treadmills by the end of the year.

Steph, 44, and her family have been raising awareness about still birth and miscarriage since her daughter Chloe Ashworth and husband Philip lost their son at 21 weeks.

"This charity is close to my heart," said Steph, from Winsford, who works in estate management. "It has also affected the family of one my colleagues so I nominated Sands as our charity of the year."

Fourteen babies die every day in the UK before, during or shortly after they’re born, leaving behind thousands of bereaved parents.

Sands provides emotional support and information right from the early hours after a baby's death, through to the weeks, months and years ahead and supports anyone affected by the death of a baby.

Steph has already completed 200 miles riding her bike round Winsford.

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Northwich Guardian:

Nicola Hitchen and Payzone work colleagues are raising funds for Sands

Beverley Madeley, human resources manager, Nicola Hitchen, customer services team manager, Dawn Jeffs, who works in credit, and Sarah Rorbach, project manager are all taking part in the challenge.

So far the team has already raised almost £600.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/payzone-bill-payments