A CARDENDEN couple have been stunned by the backing the public are giving their fundraising venture for the Sands charity in memory of their stillborn son.

Over 70 people are to walk across Forth Bridge on Sunday to raise funds for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, in memory of Leo Baird but the couple will be taking on the Fife Coastal path themselves starting on Friday.

Sunday 2nd September will see the throng join together to undertake the sponsored walk across the Forth Bridge, in memory of stillborn Leo and to raise funds for Sands.

The sponsored walk is being organised by Mrs Levi Montgomery, of Cowdenbeath, a friend of Leo's parents, Vicki and Robin Baird, who are pictured at one of the events Leo's memory has spawned. Leo was stillborn on 13th June and Vicki and Robin have been inspired by their loss to walk from the Tay Bridge to the Forth Road Bridge in a gruelling three day marathon from Friday 31st August to 2nd September - where they will meet everyone to complete the last leg of their massive walk.

Levi takes up the story, "Our first child, Casey, was born just a few weeks prior to the sad news that Leo had tragically died. "This made me realise how lucky we were to have Casey and the terribly devastating news spurred me into action and to arrange the sponsored walk. "Until baby Leo was stillborn I was completely unaware that every day in the UK 17 families are devastated as their much awaited baby is either stillborn or dies shortly after birth. These are such terrible statistics I hope that the money we raise will help Sands continue the great work they do supporting bereaved families, as well as help fund much needed research into why so many babies die every day.

"Vicki and Robin have organised a 'Team Leo' page on Just Giving and have a combined total raised of nearly �3000 in just online donations, however, we really hope we can raise that little bit more." Sunday will begin with everyone meeting at The Queensferry Lodge from noon and the sponsored walk will commence at 1pm.

Everyone is then returning to the hotel after the walk for refreshments and a balloon race. The balloon race costs only �1 for a ticket and anyone can purchase these - even if they can't attend the release. There is a �50 voucher for the shop of your choice if your balloon travels the furthest distance. If you wish to purchase a ticket, please email - levi.montgomery@hotmail.co.uk Levi added, "I have been overwhelmed by how many people have signed up to join us walk the mile and half across the bridge in memory of Leo.

"I would also like to say a huge thank you to Vicki and Robin for allowing me to assist them in their fundraising, everyone who has signed up to help, donated and everyone at The Queensferry Lodge for their generosity and support of our event. We're all hoping our efforts raise lots of money for Sands and that it won't be too windy whilst we're crossing the bridge." Vicki and Robin's family are all involved in the venture and just three weeks ago Robin's brother David combined a fundraising fun day with the opening of his new hairdressing salon in Cardenden.

The couple are delighted with the support that has been given by so many and they are looking forward to starting their gruelling walk on Friday.

To find out more about the walk or to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/LeviMonty-ForLeo To find out more about Sands, visit: www.uk-sands-org.uk