The Nation's Health

"28 year old female, climbing a load of mountains"


A few days ago I posted a blog called 'Little Angel'. I wrote it a long while ago but it never seemed the right time to talk about what is a very difficult and distressing subject.

'Sudden Infant Death’ is the term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or toddler that is initially unexplained. The usual medical term is ‘sudden unexpected death in infancy’ (SUDI). Some sudden and unexpected infant deaths can be explained by the post-mortem examination revealing, for example, an unforeseen infection or metabolic disorder. Deaths that remain unexplained after the post mortem are usually registered as ‘sudden infant death syndrome’ (SIDS).


In February this year I learnt about Matilda Mae, who was the daughter of @Edspire and at the age of just 9 months tragically died due to SIDS. Jennie wrote some brave and heart breaking posts, none more so than 'Dear Matilda Mae: The night we found you sleeping'. Please, please read it to see SIDS from the families perspective.

In the UK alone, each year there are 300 unexplained infant deaths. It was seeing this number and seeing the amazing work Jennie, her family and her friends have done to raise money for The Lullaby Trust that made me want to do something. The Lullaby Trust provides specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by a sudden infant death, and it is this support which is invaluable to the many families affected by SIDS.

On the 1st August 2013, me and a friend are embarking on a challenge to raise money for The Lullaby Trust. We will be climbing the 4 highest peaks in Great Britain and Northern Ireland over 2 days. Starting in London we will drive to Northern Ireland and start with tackling Slieve Donard (850m). From there we will drive to Scotland and haul ourselves up Ben Nevis (1344m). Once Scotland has been conqured, we will drive to the Lake District where Scaffell Pike (978m) will be awaiting us. After that it's just a case of nipping into Wales, staggering up Mount Snowdon (1085m) and driving home.


Unlike the traditional 3 peak challenges, we have no support team to do the driving while we rest. We will sleep when we can and where we can. There is 1451 miles of driving which will take about 30 hours and about 24 hours of climbing (at best)! We expect to reach the summits of all 4 mountains within a 48 hour time window!

Please, please, please sponsor me. The petrol costs, ferries and any accommodation will all be self funded. 100% of sponsorship will be going to The Lullaby Trust to help continue their crucial work. It costs them £1.6 million each year to do the work they do so anything that can be raised will help.


This is my Just Giving page: