A FUN family event planned this Sunday (April 16) in memory of Sydney-May Burge, who died last December aged just three months, is raising funds that may save other babies’ lives.

Sydney-May’s mum, Jemma Roberts from Cinderford, is organising the event, which starts at 12pm at Westbury-on-Severn Parish Hall and sports field to raise funds for the Sydney-May Trust.

Jemma told the Review: “We’ve raised over £5,000 so far, which we use to buy baby monitors that alert you if your baby stops breathing. We buy Angel Care mats, to go in a cot or Snuza monitors that clip to a baby’s nappy.

“These are available to anyone who wants one and can’t afford to buy one. We ask people just to contact us through our Facebook page. All that we ask is that people return them to us once they are no longer needed, or pass them on to other parents.

“These monitors are provided to parents who have already lost a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in some areas, but it’s a postcode lottery. If we’d had one, then Sydney-May might still be with us today, but they cost around £70 which means many new parents don’t use them.”

“It’s so helpful to me to raise money for other families in this way. Sydney-May was my ‘rainbow baby’ and this is my rainbow. Sydney-May made such a massive impact on so many people and it keeps my little girl’s face out there. It’s my new little bit of Sydney and it’s very rewarding.”

Event organiser Kirsty Jennings added: “The event on Sunday will feature children’s characters, including Peppa Pig, Belle and the Beast and Paw Patrol as well as a DJ all afternoon, a petting zoo, donkey rides and children’s games. Mediums Kevin Bowen, Rita Gerl and Melissa Williams will be there as well as over 40 craft stalls.”

To contact Jemma or to request a baby monitor, visit Facebook and search ‘Sydney-May for her…stop and think.’ You can make donations via Paypal, to [email protected].

The Lullaby Trust, on 0808 802 6868, offers bereavement support to families who have lost a baby to SIDS and advice to expectant and new parents on safer baby sleep.