Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal charity, has named EastEnders actress Rakhee Thakrar as an ambassador.

Thakrar, who was first introduced to the charity ahead of a storyline that saw her character Shabnam Masood's baby son Zaair stillborn, commented 'I knew I wanted to be involved with Sands from my very first research meeting with Bereavement Support Services Manager Erica Stewart. I was touched and honoured when I was asked and agreed without hesitation. I look forward to working with the fantastic team at Sands'.