Splashing in the pool, twin tots Amy and Bracken may not have realised the significance of their efforts.

They were taking part in a charity swim for Tommy's Campaign -- a poignant dedication to the memory of their sister Fern Tegan who was stillborn.

Tommy's Campaign promotes the understanding and prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth through a nationwide programme of research, education and information.

And the Splashathon held at Colchester Leisure World was just one of many fundraising events taking place across the country.

The twins raised more than £140 for the charity through the sponsored swim.

Helen and Michael Sparkes, of Walnut Way, Brightlingsea, have lived through the pain of losing a child, when daughter Fern was stillborn last year.

Now blessed with twins Amy and Bracken, Mrs Sparkes, 30, thought the Splashathon would be a wonderful tribute to their sister.

"Tommy's Campaign is a cause linked to the prevention of miscarriage and stillbirths," said Mrs Sparkes.

"It is a very good cause. If they are able to continue the research into stillbirth and miscarriage, they might be able to stop it happening. This will be Amy's and Bracken's dedication to Fern.

"It will be their first proper taste of water. They have done a little bit of 'training', a bit of bobbing about, and seemed to like it."

Mrs Sparkes fell pregnant with the twins just two months after losing Fern and in an extraordinary co--coincidence this second pregnancy was confirmed on May 6 -- the day Fern was due to be born.

And the couple were delighted when they discovered Mrs Sparkes was expecting twins.

"I just couldn't believe it," she said.

"I just couldn't stop laughing. My husband had to have a sweet cup of tea when he came out of the scan room, he was in shock."

By Lisa Cockrell

Reporter's e-mail: lisa_cockrell@thisisessex.co.uk

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