Local parents Tammy Strangward and Martin Keane, Pembroke, are helping to save lives by purchasing vital equipment for Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, through Darcy's Fund (writes Sharron Hardwick).

After losing their beautiful baby daughter in June 2009, at the age of only four months to Mitochondrial Disease, a rare genetic disorder; Tammy and Martin launched Darcy's Fund, bravely giving hope to other children and their parents.

Tammy began fundraising with friend Sharron Hardwick by holding a table top sale. She then faced the icy Saundersfoot waters in a New Year's Day Swim, followed by two ladies pamper days, with holistic therapist Kath Parry Thomas and New Life Christian Fellowship's Ladies Group. They also received a number of general donations.

Tammy said: "I cannot express the agony of losing our little angel, Darcy. Her short life was so precious to us. We want her memory to live on forever. Darcy's Fund is making this possible. I thank everyone for their support."

Darcy's Fund has already raised an amazing £800 which was donated to Withybush Hospital Children's Ward last month.

Tammy and Martin paid a return visit to the ward earlier this month to see what Darcy's Fund had purchased. They were delighted to see a brand new Apnea Alarm, bearing an engraved plaque saying: 'Donated In Memory of Darcy Jane Keane.'

This vital piece of equipment monitors a child's breathing; informing Withybush staff and parents if breathing stops or slows.

When asked about the visits Tammy said: "All I can say is it was very emotional. It was so hard going back into the children's ward where we spent so much time with Darcy. I felt a mixture of emotions; happy because we had done something, but it was so hard re-visiting the ward."

The children's ward staff presented Tammy and Martin with a basket of flowers.

"Tammy and Martin are a real inspiration to many. Tammy's bravery and dedication to raising funds at such a devastating time, is something they should truly be proud of. Their actions are saving children's lives," said Darcy's Fund supporter, Kath Parry-Thomas.

This is not the end of Darcy's Fund. Tammy now plans to raise funds for research into Mitochondrial Disease.

"When Darcy was eventually diagnosed with a genetic condition mitochondrial respiratory chain disease, we could only find out more about this disease by looking on the internet.

"Information in the UK was non-existent. I had to search American websites to find more. They raise a lot more money and awareness over there, but nothing is done about it in this country.

"There's no cure at the moment, you just watch people get worse and worse. I want to help change this." said Tammy, who connects with others going through similar experiences on social networking site, Facebook.

For more information visit Darcy's page on Facebook, and sign a petition to call for the British Government to put money into Mitochondrial Disease research and make people more aware of the awful disease. Visit http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/mitochondrial-disease-research.html">http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/mitochondrial-disease-research.html

To donate to Darcy's Fund, please visit any Lloyds TSB Bank quoting: Darcy's Fund, sort code: 301620, account number: 01165933.