A TEAM of swimming babies from Newport helped raise more than £806,477 nationally for a research charity into miscarriage and still birth.

The Newport Water Babies club was one of the swimming groups across the UK which took part in the two month-long Splashathon.

The campaign saw 1,400 babies and toddlers who are earning to swim take part in the water-based activities to raise money for charity Tommy's.

The baby charity funds vital research into stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage.

Last week Jacqui Grant, who helps to run Water Babies in Newport, announced the final total which had been raised - a massive £806,477 nationally.

Of that figure, babies and toddlers in Newport raised £9,246 while water babies swimming groups across South Wales and south Herefordshire raised a total of £27,869.

Jacqui Grant, who helps run Water Babies in Newport, said: “Water Babies has been a proud sponsor of Tommy’s Splashathon since 2006 and we are over the moon to have raised so much this year, and helped to smash our national cumulative target of £2 million.

"The enthusiasm and passion shown by all our little swimmers and their families has been overwhelming and we’d like to say a really big thank you to all those who took part and also those who donated. Tommy’s is obviously a charity close to many parents’ hearts.”

The money raised by Water Babies will be used to fund projects aimed at reducing the number of babies that die due to miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.

Jane Brewin, Tommy’s chief executive said: “We are overwhelmed by the number of children who took part in the campaign this year and by the generosity of those who have taken the time to donate their money to the cause.

"It really will make a difference and help us to help more families have a healthy, happy baby.”