This article is from page 32 of the 2009-05-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
THE family of a Newmarket-on- Fergus baby who died suddenly a year ago has raised €18,000 in his memory.
15-month-old Aaron Smith died from cot death in April of last year. His heartbroken parents Richie and Therese have decided to help others in a similar situation to themselves and set about raising money for the Irish Sudden Infant Death Associa- tion (ISIDA).
With the help of EI Electronics in Shannon, along with a large circle of family and friends, they raised the money, through a race night at the Oakwood Arms Hotel in Shannon.
Therese’s sister Lesley Kennedy explained the idea behind raising the THe) IAA
“There was nothing wrong with Aaron. They were just told it was a cot death. There was no explana- tion,’ she said.
“It was difficult for everybody. We felt if we organised a fundraiser, it would make people aware of it and of how it happens. We approached EI Electronics because they are involved in race nights. They were very keen to help and we got a great response, ’ she said.
While €18,000 was raised, con- tributions are still being made. “We just want people to be aware of it. It happens,’ she added.
She said that while Aaron’s parents are devastated, they are trying their best to get on with their lives.
“They are coping. They still have bad days but they are just fantastic. If he was sick, you could cope with
it, knowing there was a reason. It shouldn’t happen,” she said.
She said that everyone holds very fond memories of baby Aaron, who was Richie’s and Therese’s pride and joy. “Aaron was a dote. He was a lovely little boy and had a lovely head of blond hair. Everyone was shocked by his death,” said Lesley Kennedy.
She paid tribute, in particular, to the people of Newmarket-on-Fergus, who supported the Smiths both in the aftermath of baby Aaron’s death and also through the fundraiser.
“The people of Newmarket were just fantastic and gave us great sup- port,” said Ms Kennedy.
ISIDA provides support to families bereaved by the sudden death of an infant or young child and to others affected by it. It promotes research into the causes and prevention of
Sudden Infant Death. Its national helpline is 1850 391 391.