MUMS and babies braved inclement weather to support a buggy push raising money towards a new birthing pool at Poole Hospital.

More than 40 turned out to support the Poole Hospital Charity event, completing a 5k push around Poole Park before retiring to the charity pitch for cupcakes.

There was time to draw the raffle, with top mum-friendly prizes including a year’s entry to baby sensory classes, a haircut, and an afternoon tea at Hotel du Vin, before the heavens opened, raining off the teddy bears’ picnic.

Kim Hawkings, charity fundraising coordinator at the Poole Hospital Charity, told the Echo: “Considering the weather we were really impressed with the turn out. We were calling them the hardcore mums.”

She thanked the local Buggy Fit, Baby Fit and Baby Sensory classes for promoting the event. The raffle alone has raised some £400, and sponsorship money is expected to trickle in over the next few weeks.

The cash will go towards a new £8,000 birthing pool for the midwife-led Haven Birthing suit at Poole Hospital which currently has two pools.

Belinda Doe, matron for the community midwifery service and Haven Birthing Suit said: “The women were so enthusiastic and supportive and so keen to help out. Providing an extra birthing pool means we can offer that choice to more women. At Poole 40 per cent of all women will use a birthing pool at some point during their labour.”

Why we wanted to take part

• Stephanie Gillies, 23, from Boscombe was one of those taking part with 11-week-old Jamie-Leigh. She has raised £40 so far.

She said: “I had my little girl at Poole Maternity Unit. I had always wanted to do something for charity. I thought it would be nice.”

• Katy Babbs, 29, from Upton, completed the walk with five-month-old James, raising more than £40 for the unit.

She said: “I had my baby there in December and the staff were so fantastic I just wanted to give something back to help them and new mums in the future.”