TWO families in our area whose young children died unexpectedly were invited to a special event last week.

A reception to mark the first ever National Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Day took place at the Terrace Pavilion in the Houses of Parliament on Monday, March 18.

SUDC is the unexpected death of a child aged between one and 18 years old which remains unexplained after a post-mortem and inquest. 

The event was hosted by Rt. Hon Kwasi Kwarteng and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, attended to support grieving families in our area.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown attended a parliamentary reception to mark the first ever National Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness DaySir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown attended a parliamentary reception to mark the first ever National Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Day (Image: SUDC UK)
Top medical professionals and bereaved families whose children have died unexpectedly were also in attendance, including Eleanor Moriarty Wroath from South Cerney and Tamzin and James Loscombe from Cirencester.

Eleanor's daughter Miranda died suddenly in 2008 at just 15 months old and The Loscombe's son Jude died in a similar way in 2021 aged seven.  

The first parliamentary debate on unexpected deaths in childhood took place in February 2023.

Meanwhile, a National Child Mortality Database has been established and research identifying a potential link between febrile seizures and SUDC was published a few months ago.

SUDC UK, a registered charity which offer free support to bereaved families, will be making several recommendations to parliament in an effort to increase awareness, funding and research on the subject matter. 

Nikki Speed, CEO of SUDC UK said: “We are proud to mark the first UK national awareness day for SUDC on behalf of all the families that have been devastated by this tragic leading category of death. 

"The last 12-18 months have been pivotal for SUDC, with all workstreams gaining momentum globally and in the UK. 

"We marked the occasion at the Houses of Parliament and will continue the fight for answers through renewed calls for greater awareness, funding and research."