Did you know that nine children under the age of four die suddenly and unexpectedly every day in Australia from causes including sleeping accidents, drowning, motor vehicle accidents, sudden onset illness, SIDS and stillbirth?
It’s a frightening statistic, and many Australians have been touched by it. One such person is grandfather Ian Cross.
Tomorrow, Red Nose Day, makes the third anniversary since Ian lost his six-week-old grandson Lachie due to SIDS. Ian was out of the country at the time and had been for 4 weeks so only had a very short time with Lachie.
In a legacy to his grandson, and a bid to raise funds and awareness for SIDS, Ian has taken on a seven-day cycle, starting in Canberra, working his way through the Snowy Mountains and Northern Victoria before finishing in Bega on Red Nose Day tomorrow.
While Ian’s efforts are incredible, SIDS and Kids is urging all Australians to do what they can to support Red Nose Day, so that they may continue to offer much needed bereavement support to some 3,500 Australian families who have experienced the sudden death of a baby or child.
SIDS and Kids Australia CEO Leanne Raven says there are still so many Australians who go through the heartbreak of losing a baby or child;
“Since 1988, we have helped thousands of Australians navigate the unimaginable grief of the death of a baby or child. For every one child that dies, more than 60 people are impacted and may require counselling and support,” Associate Professor Raven said.
“Red Nose Day helps us fund support services along with research into the causes and prevention of the sudden death of babies during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood. We also educate thousands of parents, carers and health professionals on how to reduce the risk of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents,” she said.
Volunteers will be out in force selling Red Nose Day products and a host of retailers will be selling merchandise until the end of the month.
To purchase Red Nose Day merchandise or to donate visit www.rednoseday.com.au
[related_ad category=”997″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Offers”]
[related_ad category=”5″ max_size=”3″ title=”Related Stories”]
Add Comment