WHEN she lost her baby son to cot death, Caroline Moors knew life would never be the same again.

But in the four years since Ryan died, Caroline has made it her mission to prevent others suffering the same tragedy.

With the help of others she formed the Poole Friends of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), which in turn has arranged a Royal Bath Reunion Charity Dinner to raise much-needed funds for vital research into the cause of cot death.

It is events like this that collect cash for the information which is gradually bringing down the rate of cot death - from five babies a day in the 1980s to seven a week today.

But, according to the Poole Friends of FSID, that is still seven too many, which is why the group wants to raise awareness of what parents can do to reduce the risk.

"Hopefully one day the money that we've raised will stop another parent going through the pain that I've been going through and the pain that I'm still going through" said Caroline, from Upton.

Poole Friends of FSID was created following Ryan's death in 2000.

The 19-month-old, who has a twin, Charlotte, now six, died in his sleep.

Former paramedic Ray Ruffell, who was on duty at the time, was called to the address to deal with the incident. Ray said: "There's no greater tragedy for any parent than to wake up in the morning and find their baby dead in its cot."

Caroline added: "There was nothing to prepare us for this. He had his milk and went to bed a happy little boy and in the morning he was gone."

Between them, Ray and Caroline felt something more should be done to warn parents about the dangers of the condition, and the group was formed.

Ray's colleague John Kilminster, who was a paramedic for 26 years, also joined, along with his wife Janet, and the pair have now become a vital part of the group.

It is the Kilminsters' son, Gary, who has organised the fund-raising event at the Royal Bath Hotel in November. Featuring Richard Digance and a grand auction with prizes including a DVD player and full set of James Bond DVDs, signed Southampton Football Club shirt and signed Celine Dion presentation disc, the group hopes it will raise money for invaluable research.

The event will also see current Royal Bath executive chef Peter Leyland-Jones being joined by former chefs Wayne Asson, Eric Bruce and Gary Kilminster to prepare a four-course meal.

Tickets for the event are priced £55 and are available from Janet Kilminster on 01202 257541.

To find out more about Poole Friends of FSID call Ray Ruffell on 01202 733602 , if you have been affected by cot death and want someone to talk to, call Caroline Moors on 07799 715056.

How to reduce the risk of cot death:

Place your baby on their back to sleep.

Cut smoking in pregnancy - fathers too.

Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.

Do not let your baby get too hot

Keep your baby's head uncovered.

If your baby is unwell, seek advice promptly.

First published: October 5