Fundraiser for infant death charity

A SUFFOLK group which raises money for research into sudden infant deaths is holding a dinner dance and auction at the County Hotel, Copdock, near Ipswich on October 11.

This is the year's main fund raising event for the East Suffolk Group of Friends of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths and tickets priced at £25 each are now on sale.

Suzanne Gregory, who is helping to organise the event said that in the past 18 months there had been three sudden infant deaths in east Suffolk. "These are deaths where no cause or explanation can be found as to why the baby has died. These types of deaths usually occur in babies between two and four months but can still happen in babies up to one-year-old," she explained.

The East Suffolk Group of Friends is made up of parents who have experienced an infant death and their friends and families and professionals who come into contact with these families. These include police officers, health visitors and the ambulance service. The Group's president is Dr Kevin O'Neill, consultant paediatrician at Ipswich Hospital who is always on hand to offer advice and support to the Group.

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths offers a 24 hour helpline to families who have experienced the death of a baby and some group members who have experienced an infant death are registered befrienders and can offer support and advice to grieving families by phone or through a visit to the home.

During the dinner dance there will be a raffle and an auction and items to be auctioned already include a football from Ipswich Town Football Club and a cooking experience in Hadleigh.

The event's organisers are looking for a local celebrity or auctioneer to conduct the auction and would also like to hear from any individuals or companies who could donate a raffle prize or item for the auction.

For tickets or more information telephone Suzanne Gregory on 01473 410370.