A VOLUNTEER organisation that has helped hundreds of parents across Kent cope with the death of their children has been disbanded.

Thanet Baby Bereavement Support Group was set up 15 years ago by Westbrook teacher Linda Telfer and it has offered a sympathetic and caring friendship service to mothers and fathers coming to terms with miscarriage, still birth and cot death.

During their decade and a half, the small band of volunteers have travelled thousands of miles around the county at all times of day and night to be a shoulder to cry for those in need in their darkest moments.

Linda, who lost a three-and-a-half month old son Cameron 17 years ago, said: "I have decided not to continue. I feel that I am now too distant from my own experience to help young parents any more.

"This has not been an easy decision and I have tried desperately to find someone else to manage it but to no avail.

"Over the years the group has campaigned on many relevant issues. It has been such hard work and I felt like giving up many times, but I am, and always will be, so very proud of the immense service we offered the community. I feel it will be a great loss to the area.

"There have been many people over the years who have supported us and without them we could not have functioned so successfully."

They include Brenda Kelly, a staunch volunteer and befriender, North Thanet MP Roger Gale, Thanet Foster Support Group that provided the premises for the monthly meetings, Gore Brothers and Andrews and Elliott, who provided plaques for the memorial at Margate cemetry, patron Eileen Carey, wife of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and Denise Robertson, agaony aunt for the television show This Morning.

Linda added: "I would also like to thank the Isle of Thanet Extra and its chief reporter Petrr Barnett so much for the immeasurable support you have given us over the years."

Linda, who is head of English at Laleham Gap school for children with communication difficulties, Cliftonville, has pledged to continue oranising the upkeep of the distinctive memorial.