Yesterday, I met Samantha Cowley from Bloxham at the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Parliamentary reception.
Tragically, Samantha’s 13-year-old son Matthew died suddenly without explanation on 13 November. Matthew had gone to bed, as normal for a Sunday evening, but didn’t wake the following morning. Matthew’s parents still have no idea why he died.
Losing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. For the death to be unexplained only adds to the trauma. With this serious medical phenomenon affecting a child each week in the UK, it is important that we do everything we can to work towards raising awareness and advancing research.
I am pleased that SUDC UK were able to host their first event in Parliament to mark the launch of SUDC Awareness Day. It was an extremely poignant afternoon as bereaved parents came together to share their stories. SUDC UK do so much important work to raise the profile of the issue and provide valuable support for families.
