HELP from on high is what a Tiverton woman was hoping for when ten of her friends tackled a 35ft high wire assault course at the weekend in memory of her son.

The daredevil challenge was organised by Michelle Halsey, who recruited friends locally and from the North West to take part in the event at a specialist high rope climbing centre in North Devon on Sunday.

Ms Halsey, 32, who manages Vacation World travel agents in Tiverton, had originally planned to take part in the challenge herself, but after dropping out on medical advice, she took up the role of cheering the participants on, all of whom have been dubbed Sidney's Stars in memory of her son.

She said it had been a "fantastic day", which raised more than £1,500 for Sands, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity, which offers support to parents and families affected by a baby's death.

Michelle has personal experience of the charity and held the event in tribute to her second son Sidney, who died in 2007 after being born 15 weeks premature.

He weighed 1lb 5oz when he was born on May 26, 2007. "He was just too tiny to stay and sadly he died at birth," said Michelle.

One of the most important ways the charity could help Michele said, was by assisting parents to realise they were not alone.

She said: "In the first days you feel like you are the only one going through this but through Sands I had huge support from their online forum network that I used every day for probably six months."

The event was timed to take place close to the date which would have been her son's third birthday.

Michelle said: "Each year on his birthday, we try to raise vital funds and awareness for Sands. This year we set our sights higher, and decided to complete the 'ultimate high ropes' assault course."

There had been varying levels of enthusiasm for the challenge among those taking part, she said.

"Some people jumped at the chances while others thought I was a bit mad, but I have been overwhelmed by the local support we have had," said Michelle.

Although she had been unable to tackle the challenge this year, she said she would be back to have another go at a later date. "I am absolutely terrified of heights," said Michelle, "but when I am fit and well a year from now I definitely want to do it."

Joining Michelle's husband, sales manager Adam Halsey in the daring charity endeavour, were her brother Michael McGunigle and friends Hayley and Wayne Sanders, Angela and Jimmy Turner, Stacey Butler, Sarah Jane Vickery, Becky Corlett and Emily Craig.

Seventeen babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every day in the UK, totalling almost 6,500 baby deaths a year. The charity supports anyone affected by the death of a baby and promotes research to reduce the loss of babies lives.

Michelle has set up an online page for pledges at www.justgiving.com/ SidneysStars. You can also find out more about Sands at www.uk-sands.org