Youngsters climb hill in twins' memory

Four nine-year-olds dressed in fairy wings and tutus climbed up to Caradoc in Church Stretton to help raise money for a premature baby charity.

Violet Williams, Verity Goodman-King, Poppy Carroll and Ella Palmer-Jones, from St Lawrence Primary School in Church Stretton, raised money for Bliss.

Violet's two cousins died after they were born at 24 weeks, weighing just over one pound.

Earnest died after one day in October 2006. Archie survived for six months at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and hospitals in Liverpool but died on April 23, 2007.

Violet's family and friends have been raising money since last year and with Archie and Earnest's parents, Daniel and Jenni Jones, of Belle Vue, Shrewsbury, have raised £12,200 so far.

The climb up Caradoc on Sunday raised £285 and they made it in under an hour.

Mrs Jones, Violet's aunt, said: "They set off with their backpacks, their fairy wings and tutus and a few parents in tow at 10.30am on Sunday and made it to the top in under an hour.

"They had a brief picnic at the top together with their parents and Arty the dog.

"We'd like to thank these wonderful girls for being so kind-hearted and giving up their time to support Bliss and everyone who has sponsored them so far.

"We and Bliss are very grateful for all their support," she said.

Mr and Mrs Jones have held several fundraising events, including a ball at the Albright Hussey. They have also run the London Marathon.