The parents of a baby who died just 20 minutes after she was born have helped create a haven for other bereaved parents.

Jackie Holden and her husband Mark, along with family and friends, have raised hundreds of pounds to create a special counselling room at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The room is in memory of their daughter Daisy, who died at the hospital in September 2003.

The youngster had developed problems during the pregnancy which led to her having fluid in the lungs and head but despite the efforts of medics and an emergency caesarean, Daisy could not be saved.

Mrs Holden, of Roedale Road, Brighton, said she had been deeply impressed with the care shown to her by staff.

She said: "It was an extremely frightening time and I remember asking Mark what on earth we were going to do now.

"I remember one of midwives putting a hand on my shoulder and telling me they would help me every step of the way through it."

As Mrs Holden, 41, and Mr Holden, also 41 and a telephone engineer, gradually came to terms with their loss, they decided they wanted to do something to say thank you and raise some money for the maternity department.

After a discussion with staff it was agreed they would help create the room in Daisy's name to help others.

So far they have raised enough money to donate carpets, paint the room, put in a chair, sofa, pictures, mirror and tea and coffee making facilities.

Mrs Holden is now going on a sponsored walk on Saturday to raise enough money to install a phone.

She said: "Previously there had been no proper counselling room and this area is a very busy place with a lot of people passing through.

"We wanted there to be a quiet, private place where people could break down if they needed to and have somewhere where they could pull themselves together without having to come across anyone else.

"The phone line will mean that if they want to, a parent can call someone quickly if they want help and support."

Midwife Jane Canning said: "This is a wonderful facility and is a quiet, comfortable and calming place for people to go to.

"We are very grateful for everything the Holdens have done to make this room what it is."

Mrs Holden, who has two daughters Ruby, six and Molly, two, said: "Working and fund-raising to create this room has helped me over the years to come to terms with Daisy's death.

"This room will help keep Daisy's name alive and we hope it will help others now and in the future."

Mrs Holden's walk starts at Hove Lagoon on Saturday at 11am and she will walk approximately seven miles to Saltdean.