In remembrance of their beloved daughter, a family is embarking on a final year of fundraising endeavors as she would have turned 21 years old.
Tragically, Lauren passed away at the tender age of 18 weeks due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) back in 2003. Since then, her parents have tirelessly raised over £22,000 for The Lullaby Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by SIDS.
This year, their aim is to gather an additional £21,000 to commemorate what would have been a significant milestone in Lauren’s life and to aid others grappling with similar heartbreaking circumstances.
Reflecting on the devastating loss, Emma Waudby, Lauren’s mother, residing in Anlaby near Hull, expressed her shock at encountering SIDS, a term unfamiliar to her until Lauren’s passing. Recalling the distressing moment, Emma recounted how Lauren lay peacefully in her cot before the sudden tragedy unfolded, leaving them utterly bewildered.
Lauren’s father, Pete Waudby, echoed Emma’s sentiments, describing the profound confusion and grief that enveloped them in the aftermath of their daughter’s sudden departure. Pete emphasized the initial self-blame and subsequent realization that nothing could have altered the outcome, bringing a semblance of solace amidst the anguish.
The couple, parents to a 26-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son, emphasized the significance of channeling their energies into fundraising for The Lullaby Trust, acknowledging the invaluable support the charity extends to families navigating similar adversities.
In honor of Lauren’s birthday on April 27th, Emma and Pete are organizing a black-tie ball at the MKM Stadium, accompanied by Pete’s participation in the upcoming London Marathon. They urge individuals to participate in challenges centered around the number 21 to culminate their fundraising endeavors.
Emma expressed a sense of closure with this final fundraising push, acknowledging the perpetual obligation they felt to commemorate their daughter’s memory annually.
According to statistics from The Lullaby Trust, approximately 200 unexplained deaths of infants and young children occur in the UK each year, underscoring the vital role of awareness and support provided by organizations like theirs.
Jenny Ward, Chief Executive of The Lullaby Trust, emphasized the importance of integrating conversations about safe sleep practices into routine discussions surrounding childbirth, aiming to prevent further tragedies and offer support to grieving families.
