Registrations are now open for the annual Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Stampede running festival which will be held on Father’s Day, Sunday, September 7.
The stampede hopes to raise funds to support research into SIDS at the Children’s Hospital SIDS and Sleep Apnoea research department in Westmead.
Consisting of four events, the stampede will include a half marathon, a 10 kilometre run, a 5km run and a 5km friends and family walk.
The festival offers families, friends or anyone who has been affected by SIDS the chance to take part and support research into the condition.
Organiser Brenda King said she decided to organise the festival after her 10-month-old son nearly died.
‘‘As a mother, I am hoping to save some other family from the possible trauma of losing a child,’’ Mrs King said.
‘‘My family are lucky, but without support, education and research, many families a year will continue to lose their children.’’
Mrs King said the events couldn’t have been successful without the help and support of the Hawkesbury community.
‘‘We have raised $50,000 from our last two events and have seen more than 640 people participate and 35 volunteers help out,’’ she said.
Mrs King said the syndrome affected up to 3 per cent of Australians and claimed the lives of around 100 infants each year.
Progress has been made in reducing the incidents of SIDS in the last 20 years, but researchers are still working on the causes and prevention methods.
To register or donate visit sidsstampede.com.au.
