A WAVE of Gwent Water Babies classes have been busy splashing for cash this summer in their bi-annual Splashathon events to raise vital funds for a baby charity.

Tommy’s charity helps mums have a healthy pregnancy and prevent complications.

Hundreds of little Gwent swimmers took the plunge at Splashathons and joined in sponsored pool challenges to raise £6,321.30 to help Water Babies. A total of £466,000 was raised nationally through this year’s Splashathons.

Aletia Griffiths, who runs the South East Wales classes with Jacqui Grant, said: “With one in four women still tragically losing a baby in pregnancy or birth, chances are we all know someone who’s experienced loss. Therefore this is a cause that is so close to so many of our hearts that any help that our little swimmers can give their unborn peers is absolutely crucial.”

Money was raised by babies and toddlers completing new special swimming challenges set by their teachers. Aletia said: “The Splashathons are always so much fun we want to thank everyone involved, including all the mums, dads and family and friends who sponsored their little ones.”

Water Babies has supported Tommy’s Splashathon since 2006. All monies raised by Water Babies helps to fund Tommy’s three research centres and will ultimately enable Tommy’s to help more parents take their baby home.

Jane Brewin, chief executive of Tommy’s, said: “Water Babies has achieved the incredible by fundraising a staggering £1.2 million for Tommy’s since their very first Splashathon seven years ago.”

Water Babies Wales South East runs classes across Herefordshire, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Newport, Cardiff, Caerphilly and Vale of Glamorgan. For more information on Tommy’s, visit tommys.org