A SUPPORT group for children coping with bereavement has raised almost £6,000 over the last few months.

Sam’s Angels exceeded all expectations when members raised a whopping £5,459 with their September triathlon.

The group, which was set up by Barbara Henry in memory of her late daughter Samantha, also raised a further £400 with a Christmas bake sale.

The Ardrossan mum, who has been bringing up granddaughter Paige, now six, since losing Samantha in 2015, said: “We’ve raised £5,459 with the triathlon. I was so overwhelmed.

“We’ve been getting therapists in for the kids, like music therapy and dog therapy. The dog’s called Poppy and she’s a cocker spaniel. The kids just love it.”

But the children attending Sam’s Angels have another reason to smile. Tesco in Saltcoats paid for the kids, their families and the group workers to see a panto at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow.

They also provided goody bags for the youngsters.

Sam’s Angels is a place where children under 10 who have suffered bereavements can meet other kids in their position and enjoy crafts and games.

The group is free and meets every second Tuesday from 5.45-6.45pm in Ardrossan Whitlees Community Centre. Juice and crisps are provided.