The parents of a baby boy who died aged 20 months are aiming to raise �5,000 for a charity that researches unexplained infant deaths.
The parents of a baby boy who died aged 20 months are aiming to raise �5,000 for a charity that researches unexplained infant deaths.
Michael Joe Ruddell was the victim of what is known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
His parents Zoe and Will Ruddell, of Papyrus Way, Sawtry, are determined to raise money for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID), a charity committed to researching the as-yet unexplained causes of SIDS, which claims 500 lives a year in the UK, and to promote infant health.
Zoe, 34, said: “The work that FSID does is so important in researching and informing the public and health professionals about sudden infant deaths. The money is vital in continuing research.”
A fundraising event was held on Saturday at Sawtry Working Men’s Club, which raised �2,700, and the next charity challenge takes place on Friday, June 3, when Will, 37, and friends Paul Bardon, James Murdoch and Ollie Ritch will be hiking the three-peaks challenge in 24 hours.
In addition, Ramsey mother Sharon Ferrell, who lost her baby son to cot death, is inviting other families to join her for a fundraising walk on Saturday. (May 14)
Sharon Ferrell, 40, will be holding a Mile in Memory walk for her son Zachary, who died 14 years ago. The walk around the Ferry Meadows, Peterborough will be raising funds for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID).
Mrs Ferrell who worked for two years as a volunteer for the charity, said: “The FSID raises awareness of cot death and also operates phone-lines. I did it for a couple of years answering phones to bereaved parents. They all know what you are going through.”
The walk begins at 1pm from the visitors centre. Balloons dedicated to cot death victims will be released at the end of the walk. All are welcome.
INFORMATION: To help Zoe and Will reach their target of �5,000 you can sponsor Will on his three-peak challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/willruddell. And to find out more about the fundraising walk you can call Sharon on 07736943264
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