THREE pals have raised more than £1,000 by completing the walk of a lifetime.

Dunfermline mum Fiona Platten experienced the heartbreak of stillbirth with her daughter Grace last year and relied on the help of SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity, to get herself and her husband, Guy, through the ordeal.

Along with friends Rebecca Watson and Laura Tinch, she has completed all 117 miles of the Fife Coastal Path to raise vital funds for the charity.

Fiona, 36, who is also the mum of two boys, told the Press: "We found out at the first 12-week scan that there was some abnormality.

"There was additional fluid around the baby and I was sent up to the Victoria Hospital the same day for more tests.

"Those showed that there was a high risk of hormonal imbalance.

"We then decided to pay for Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which is not available on the NHS at the moment.

"At that point, we found out that Grace had Edward's Syndrome, which in the vast majority of cases is a fatal chromosomal abnormality.

"The only babies that make it only live for a matter of weeks.

"Then it was just really a waiting game.

"We had an appointment with a consultant to decide our options but by that point, we found out that she had already passed.

"That was a hard day."

The three ladies have been counting down the miles since beginning the challenge in February for SANDS. After finding out she was pregnant again, Fiona was in a hurry to finish the walk and completed it last Saturday, as did Laura.

Although Rebecca was there to do the last stretch, she injured her foot halfway through the challenge so will continue to make up the miles.

Fiona added: "Laura and Rebecca were with me through the whole struggle.

"The idea was to do something good in Grace's memory.

"I think what's most challenging is it just makes you feel very powerless, so doing something good I think is a good way to heal.

"As a couple, we have had to deal with early-stage miscarriages as well.

"The difference between them and losing Grace is really complicated.

"We knew she was a girl, I had to deliver her, so we got to hold her and name her.

"But with early miscarriage, you don't even know if they were a girl or a boy.

"The grief process is difficult because it is such a personal one.

"If a parent dies then their family, friends and colleagues all grieve for them but it's just you in this case so it can be a very lonely time.

"It's utter devastation knowing you are not going to have your baby and do the exciting things planned.

"Pregnancy after loss is difficult too because you worry more and the innocent joy of it all can be taken away.

"SANDS do a brilliant job – they helped us get a memorial plaque for Grace, their service is very valuable."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com and search 'ThreeGraces'