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In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Nottingham couple has vowed to raise awareness and funds for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) after their healthy 17-month-old daughter, Willow Poppy Forrest, passed away unexpectedly. Ella McNally, 23, and Josh Forrest, 24, are preparing to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2026 to honour their daughter’s memory and support a charity that aims to shed light on this devastating phenomenon.
A Shocking Loss
Willow was born on June 4, 2023, a joyful addition to her family who appeared to thrive without any serious health issues, save for a mild case of hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, on the morning of November 11, 2024, tragedy struck. After a seemingly normal night, Ella called for Willow to wake her up, only to find her unresponsive.
“I thought she was just messing about at first,” Ella recounted, recalling the moment she realised something was gravely wrong. Despite her attempts to revive her daughter with CPR and the immediate arrival of emergency services, Willow was pronounced dead shortly after reaching King’s Mill Hospital.
Understanding SUDI and SUDC
The cause of Willow’s death was later determined to be Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), a classification that applies to infants under 24 months old who die unexpectedly, with no identifiable cause after thorough investigation. SUDC UK reports that approximately 40 children in the UK are affected by SUDC each year, leaving families with heartbreak and unanswered questions.
Ella shared that the lack of explanation surrounding Willow’s death has been a heavy burden. “We were waiting and hoping we’d get answers,” she said. “But even now, it has been nearly 15 months since she passed away, and the questions still nag because there aren’t any answers.”
A Marathon of Hope
Determined to channel their grief into something positive, Ella and Josh have committed to participating in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. They aim to raise £3,000 for SUDC UK, with Ella stating, “I’m doing this for Willow, and for any other family who has experienced this, and I know she’ll be with me all the way.”
Ella describes Willow as a bubbly, clever, and cheeky child who had a special bond with her family. “She had everyone wrapped around her finger,” she reminisced fondly. The couple’s journey through grief has been filled with daily reminders of their daughter, from preserving her belongings to sharing her story in hopes of helping others.
Strength in Community
In the months following Willow’s passing, Ella and Josh have found solace in their shared experience and the support of their family. They have also sought genetic testing to explore any potential answers, but all results returned normal, adding to their sense of confusion and loss.
“Nothing was flagged other than her being a healthy, happy child,” Ella said, reflecting on the post-mortem findings. Their commitment to raising awareness about SUDC is not just about seeking answers for themselves, but also about ensuring that other families do not have to endure similar heartache in silence.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager at JustGiving, praised Ella’s initiative, stating, “By championing the work of SUDC UK, she is turning her personal grief into a lifeline for other families.”
Why it Matters
Ella and Josh’s story underscores the urgent need for awareness surrounding SUDC and SUDI, conditions that can leave families shattered without explanation. Their journey from heartbreak to advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing their experience, they aim to foster understanding, support, and ultimately, hope for other families facing similar tragedies. In a world where the unexpected can strike at any moment, their efforts shine a light on the importance of community, compassion, and the enduring love for a child lost far too soon.
