Run to raise SIDS research funds

Bunbury mothers Rochelle Bell and Maria Quick will take part in the upcoming Pancake Run for SIDS and Kids in memory of their babies who died suddenly last year.

Picture by David Bailey: Rochelle Bell and Maria Quick will take part in the Pancake Run for SIDS and Kids in memory of their babies lost to SIDS.

Mrs Quick and her husband Andrew lost their three-month-old daughter Cassie when she died suddenly in her sleep last July.

In memory of Cassie, the Bunbury community will take part in a fun run to raise money for SIDS and Kids on the day she would have celebrated her first birthday.

‘‘Not only do SIDS and Kids do a lot of research into the cause of sudden infant death syndrome but they also provide support for bereaved families such as ours,’’ Mrs Quick said.

‘‘Their 24-hour telephone support is staffed by mothers like me and their professional counselling saved my life.’’

In Australia each year more than 3500 families experience the unexpected death of a baby or child and for many of the deaths there is no known cause.

Risk reduction campaigns by SIDS and Kids has dramatically reduced the number of babies who have died suddenly and unexpectedly.

For Rochelle Bell, who lost her son Mason Hunter Mazza on September 2 last year, fundraising for SIDS and still birth research, education and counselling is a cause close to her heart.

The 10km and 5km fun run and 3km walk and pram push, to be held on April 15 in Dalyellup, has been organised by mothers who are passionate about the issue.

Those interested in taking part in the Pancake Run for SIDS and Kids can find more information on www.bunburyrunnersclub.mysouthwest.com.au.