Parents of sudden death children climbing mountain

The climb aims to raise funds and awareness of sudden unexplained death in childhood

A group of parents who have lost children to sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) are climbing England's third highest mountain peak to raise awareness and raise funds for charity.

SUDC is a rare category of death in which the cause remains unknown even after thorough investigation.

Emma and Andy Street, from Swindon, who lost their 20-month-old son Connor to SUDC on New Year's Eve in 2024, are among the 18 parents and supporters climbing Helvellyn in the Lake District.

Ms Street said: "There needs to be more support, we've had no support from anyone. It's kind of like it's happened and off you go."

According to a study by the charity SUDC UK, only half of families who experienced an unexplained death were assigned a bereavement key worker and many parents reported distressing experiences in dealing with authorities.

The Streets said they had never heard of SUDC before Connor's death and discovered the charity after trying to find answers online.

"Just hearing other people talk and making you feel like you're not alone - that's the biggest thing," said Ms Street.

"It's a horrible club to be part of, but it helps, it helps a lot."

Emma Street lost her son Connor to SUDC in 2024

The climb is intended to symbolise the mental and emotional mountain that parents have to climb in the wake of losing a child.

All the families taking part in The Big Climb have experienced SUDC and the Streets hope it will be a chance to connect with people that have experienced what they've been through.

Ms Street said: "It's about raising awareness about SUDC, and how that impacts people but also, hopefully making friendships and talking to people that have been through it.

"Everybody knows what we've been through and we know what they've been through."

Nikki Speed, chief executive and co-founder of SUDC UK, said: "We must make SUDC predictable and preventable.

"By funding vital research and identifying risk factors, we can save children's lives and spare families unimaginable heartbreak."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.