Tots take part in a splashathon at Alloa Leisure Bowl for Tommy's

During a Water Babies class on Monday, June 12, tots dressed up as superheroes and princesses for the cause.

They were led in their session by instructor Elaine Jackman and the fundraising campaign will see little ones in Clacks and Stirling take part in events throughout the rest of the week.

Donations raised by the babies will go to Tommy’s to fund further research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Wendy Lambie, who owns the Water Babies Scotland Central franchise with husband Derek, said: "Too many people suffer from problems surrounding pregnancy and there is still too much heartache for those who have to endure the agony of losing a baby. 

"With events like our splashathon we can raise vital funds that can make a big difference and help eradicate these issues.

"All of our parents, and indeed our little swimmers, love taking part in something as important as this event. And, of course, it’s great fun too."

The charity campaign, which takes place nationwide throughout May-July, was officially launched through the release of a slow-motion video by Water Babies and Tommy’s showing the adorable reactions of babies as they emerge from underwater during swimming classes.

All the babies featured in the video were either born very premature or are ‘rainbow’ babies – children who are born following a previous loss.

The event last took place in 2015 and raised £816,477, but this year they have set a really ambitious goal to raise £1 million in 2017. 

This will help up to 60,000 families visit Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, and realise their dream of having a baby.

The need for support is great, with 1 in 4 women in the UK losing a baby during pregnancy or just after birth, and around 1 in every 27 babies are stillborn per year, equivalent to 10 babies a day. 

In addition, 684 babies are miscarried a day.

For more information on the splashathon, including how to donate to Tommy’s, can be found online.