A mother has been delighted at the "amazing" public response to her plans to create a garden in memory of stillborn babies.

Karla Cairns lost daughter Grace at birth eight years ago, but could not hold a funeral because the baby was born at 23 weeks, one week before the then-official limit dividing stillbirths and miscarriages.

Grace was cremated at Upminster, and her ashes scattered on a communal plot which Karla, husband Kevin and their six surviving daughters still visit.

Karla appealed for help from the public to make her dream come true. And she has been overwhelmed by the public response - with more than 40 calls flooding in to her Roberts Road, Laindon home in just a few days.

Karla said: "The phone just has not stopped ringing, with people thanking us for what we're trying to do.

"One woman suffered a stillbirth 20 years ago, and she's only having a breakdown about it now.

"Some of the stories I've heard are so traumatic."

Karla said a list of volunteers had come forward to shake tins at a special karate demonstration at the Eastgate shopping centre, Basildon, on July 1.

A piece of land for the Forget-me-not garden has been set aside at Pitsea Crematorium, and hospital bosses are meeting management there later this week to discuss planting and furniture.

Anyone interested in helping to fundraise should call Karla on 01268 414149.

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