Worthing mum campaigns for cot death research

Kelly Goddard, 24, of Rowlands Road, Worthing, is petitioning the government to look into whether mattress covers can significantly reduce the number of cot deaths.

Her drive follows the sudden death of her eight-week old son, Alfie Yeomans, who died from sudden infant death syndrome '“ commonly known as cot death '“ in August.

On Saturday afternoon, Kelly and seven of her friends collected more than 1,000 signatures in Worthing town centre.

But her campaign has received criticism from the Foundation for the study of Infant Deaths, which says toxic gas from mattresses is not the answer.

However, Kelly and her supporters have said they will not stop trying to raise the profile of cot death and the potential preventative measures.

Kelly said: "We had a very good response to the petition on Saturday. Lots of people told me they had lost children to cot death and they are very pleased with what I am doing.

"I am not saying what I am saying is right, but that it is important

for the government to make people aware of this."

Amber Carter, cousin of Alfie's father, who helped at the weekend, said: "We were overwhelmed by the public support and I didn't come across anyone who wasn't happy to sign the petition."

Kelly is now taking her petition to Ashford, Brighton and Plymouth to collect further signatures.

For more information, visit the Facebook group "the cot life society uk '“ campaign against cot death/sids".

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