A POOL-IN-WHARFEDALE mother is walking 100 miles to raise money for a special care baby ambulance.

Mother of three Anne-Marie Holds-worth first set out on the staged trek across the Yorkshire Dales in June last year.

Along with her sister, Fiona Martin, mother, May Hayes and aunt, Lily Mulkeen, she is raising money for the charity set up in memory of Fiona's son, Alfie Martin, who died shortly after he was born last year.

Alfie was taken from Harrogate Hospital to Leeds General Infirmary by special care baby ambulance but had to wait some time before it arrived.

And although the wait did not affect his chances of survival, his family wanted to do something to make sure another ambulance could be bought to cater for all new babies born in North and West Yorkshire.

Anne-Marie, 36, said: "We are doing this to help support this vital service as any delay could make a difference between life and death for many newborn babies."

The women, alongwith Fiona's dog, Lucy, and Anne-Marie's dog, Annie, started their walk from Anne-Marie's home at Caley Hall, across Otley Chevin to Ilkley to join up with the Ebor Way and then on to the 84 mile Dales Way.

Since then, mostly at weekends, they have walked along the Dales Way and next month will tackle the last stretch from Burneside to Bowness on Windermere.

"When we started in June last year the weather was fine but then we started getting into the winter months.

"For the final stage next month we will be joined by my husband, other family and friends," said Anne-Marie.

l Anyone who would like to contribute to The Friends of Alfie Martin charity should contact Caroline Oddy, Leeds General Infirmary, Belmont Grove, Leeds LS2 9NS. (0113) 3923719.