[Solved] Mad Skater Challenge for Save a Baby Month

Press Release

Bristol Dad’s 120 Mile Roller-Skate for “Save a Baby Month”

Danny was so moved by the heartache felt by parents of cot death victims that he decided to get his skates on and do something to help… literally.

So next month Danny, 28, will roll into action to support the fourth annual ‘Save A Baby Month’ by skating all the way from Bristol to London – a marathon 120-mile, three–day trip.

“Save a Baby Month’ is a national campaign organised by the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) to raise awareness of simple, effective measures parents can take to reduce the risk of cot death – otherwise known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Danny, of Bristol hasn’t pulled on a pair of skates in earnest since he was a teenager – but is determined to raise £1,000 that could pay for two baby breathing monitors.

“It’s been over 10 years since I last slipped into a pair of roller boots but even back then the farthest I had skated was 12 miles from Bristol to Bath!” he said.

Danny first became aware of the FSID and the work they do two years ago when his partner was due with their first child.

“Cot death was one of our biggest fears, being first-time parents,” said Danny. “All of a sudden baby safety was the top priority for both of us and research led me to the FSID website.

“It was there I discovered an ‘in memory’ website, also run by FSID, where bereaved parents can create a memorial for their child. We can only begin to imagine the pain, suffering and heartache that these parents are going through.
“I have been moved to tears on many occasions reading those and that is my motivation to do all I can to support the charity.”

So on Saturday, May 8, Danny will set off skating from Bristol to FSID headquarters in London, handing out Safe Sleeping literature and raising money along the way.

Bristol skate shop Rollermania has donated a pair of roller skates for Danny’s challenge, while overnight stays have also been gifted by the Hare and Hounds Hotel, Newbury and the Royal Adelaide, Windsor.

Holly Butcher, FSID’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We are all very excited about Danny’s incredible roller-skating challenge and wish him the best of luck.
“Cot death is still the biggest killer of babies over one month old in the UK, claiming more lives than meningitis, leukaemia and all other cancers combined.
“We rely on the magnificent efforts of supporters like Danny, who go above and beyond to help us give every baby the chance of a lifetime.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Danny’s skate can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/Danny-Maddocks

For more information on “Save a Baby Month”, go to the FSID website at http://fsid.org.uk .

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Notes to editors:

Photos Available

Danny will be holding a "Launch" event between 7:30am and 8:00am on Saturday 8th May 2010 at The Slug and Lettuce, 26-28 St. Nicholas Street Bristol BS1 1UB, complimentary refreshments will be available. Danny will be joined by Joanne McLennon, a bereaved mother who's son would be 10 years old this year and who now volunteers her time as a trained befriender to listen and support parents who have suffered the loss of a child to cot death. Both will be available for comment and photos.

For for more information please contact Danny on 0779 237 1138. Email danny@babysfirstcalendar.com

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote infant health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families, promotes baby care advice, and works to improve investigations when a baby dies. FSID runs a free Helpline (0808 802 6868) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families. Advice for parents and professionals can also be found at http://www.fsid.org.uk

To contact the FSID press office please call FSID communications team on 020 7802 3225 or email communications@fsid.org.uk .