A devastating loss for young parents Ella and Josh from Nottingham, as their vibrant 17-month-old daughter, Willow, tragically passed away in her sleep. Despite being a healthy and happy toddler, her sudden departure on November 12, 2024, left everyone without clear answers. After a thorough investigation, her passing was ruled as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), a rare and unpreventable heartbreak that touches around 40 UK families each year.
Ella, a nurse, and Josh, a joiner, were crushed by the loss, feeling the surreal weight of her absence. To honour Willow’s memory and help others facing similar tragedies, the couple is gearing up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon this April, supporting SUDC UK. They’ve set a fundraising goal of £3,000 to spread awareness about Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).
Describing her beloved daughter, Ella recalls Willow as “bubbly, clever, and really cheeky,” with a charm that won over everyone. The sudden loss left a void in their lives, and despite genetic testing providing no answers, the family is determined to raise awareness and keep Willow’s memory alive.
Ella shares how she and Josh have found strength in each other and their family, even as grief sneaks up on them unexpectedly. She bravely returned to complete her nursing degree, driven by the belief that Willow would want her to keep moving forward. Their unwavering love for Willow fuels their mission to spread the word about SUDI and SUDC.
Join them in honouring Willow’s life and supporting other families by learning more or donating through their JustGiving page. Willow may be gone, but her spirit dances on in the hearts of those she touched. 💕