The tireless work of a Kinross mother has helped secure the Scottish Cot Death Trust’s biggest ever sponsor.
More than 21 years after her baby son Andrew’s tragic death, Wilma Carragher remains committed to helping others affected by the sudden, unexplained loss of a child.
Wilma (50) has organised many fund-raising events, attends Round Table meetings to gather support and even took part in a sponsored skydive in June.
And now, thanks to her efforts, it has been announced that Sainsbury’s in Kinross will be backing the Scottish Cot Death Trust for the coming year.
Staff and customers at the store voted to adopt the trust as their chosen charity after hearing about the vital work it does for families across the country.
Wilma was unaware of the trust when Andrew died in September 1990 aged just four months, and said she and her husband often felt very alone.
Determined to help her three sons come to terms with their loss, she tried to be open and honest and did all she could to keep Andrew’s memory alive but wishes she had been given the opportunity to speak to other bereaved parents.
Since finding out about the trust two years ago Wilma, who grew up in Carnoustie, has raised more than £6000 to help its work.
She wants to ensure no other parents have to go it alone in the future and hopes the backing of Sainsbury’s will make a difference.’Climbing up the ladder’A baby or young child dies from cot death every nine days in Scotland but the charity only receives 3% of its funding from the government.
Wilma said, “When I first nominated the trust I was told it had to be local but I explained that cot death doesn’t have boundaries and has affected many people in the area.
“It’s great that we got the backing of such a huge company it feels like we’re climbing up the ladder now.
“Cot death has been a taboo subject but I want that to change. It tears through your life like an atom bomb but it is vital that you can talk about it and know where to turn for help.
“It’s also important that new parents know steps they can take to help protect their babies. The trust does all this.”
She added, “My story doesn’t have a happy ending but I want to help others.”
Customer services team leader at the store Chris Struth pushed for the trust to be picked after Wilma made a presentation to his team.’Fantastic’ helpHe said he had not realised it affected so many and was keen to do all he could to raise money and awareness.
Sainsbury’s Kinross plans on holding events throughout the year to engage the community.
The launch event on Saturday was a fund-raising bag-pack.
Community fund-raiser for the Scottish Cot Death Trust Lynne MacKenzie said, “The trust are delighted that Wilma has secured this partnership and we hope that it will pave the way for other organisations to support us.
“We are such a small charity that it is vital that we have the support of fantastic people like Wilma who will engage with their local community on the trust’s behalf.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Sainsbury’s Kinross and will support them in their fund-raising activities.”
To contribute to Wilma’s fund-raising efforts and read more about her inspiration, son Andrew, visit her JustGiving page.