TRUNDLING prams, the excited gibberish of children and a bittersweet sense of purpose tied into yesterday's Walk for Prems at Royal Park.
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A precession of white logo-emblazoned T-shirts, colourful costumes, pets, balloons and - of course - children strolled through Launceston as part of the Life's Little Treasures Foundation fund-raiser.
An emotional speech from walk organiser Sarah Coker was met with bowed heads and distant gazes from participants as they paid tribute to children lost to premature birth.
Three white doves were released as the final wavering stanza from Miss Coker's recital of poem Angel's Kiss swept across the park.
Assistant organiser Jo Hood was front-and-centre of the serpentine precession as it weaved along Launceston's Park and Paterson streets.
``Today has been absolutely amazing,'' Mrs Hood said.
``During the walk, a lot of people shared their experience of gestation . . . sometimes it's not the baby's health but - like in my case - the mother might not be well and the baby has to come early.
``That's traumatic in itself, but we find that talking to each other on the walk, looking at the babies makes everyone feel peaceful and lucky.''
More than 200 people attended the three-kilometre walk, a number ``beyond expectations'', according to Mrs Hood.
``We see even more people coming back every year, we also find newborn mums and children come back again as they get more confidence,'' she said.
``The children love it, embrace it and feel special, they enjoy every minute.''
A Life's Little Treasures support group meets every third Wednesday of the month at St Giles.
For more information go to www.lifeslittle treasures.org.au or call St Giles on 6345 7333.