Parents Left Without Answers After Sudden Death of Healthy Toddler
Ella McNally, 23, a nurse, and her partner Josh Forrest, 24, a joiner, from Nottingham, are grappling with the unexplained loss of their 17-month-old daughter, Willow Poppy Forrest. The couple describes the event as "surreal", having received no clear cause for her sudden passing on November 12, 2024.
A Normal Evening Turns Tragic
On the evening of November 11, 2024, Ella put Willow to bed as usual, checking the baby monitor throughout the night. In the morning, when Willow did not respond to her name, Ella called an ambulance and performed CPR. Willow was rushed to King's Mill Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination ruled the cause as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), a term used for unexplained deaths in children under 24 months. Ella noted that Willow had been a "healthy, happy child" with no prior health issues, aside from a common case of hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Raising Awareness Through Action
In memory of Willow, Ella and Josh are preparing to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April to raise funds and awareness for the charity SUDC UK. They aim to collect £3,000, hoping to support other families affected by similar tragedies.
Ella expressed, "We were waiting and hoping we'd get answers, but the questions still nag because there aren't any. I'm doing this for Willow and for any other family who has experienced this."
Understanding SUDI and SUDC
SUDC UK explains that Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) affects approximately 40 children annually in the UK, with deaths remaining unexplained after thorough investigations. For infants under 24 months, SUDI is often listed instead. The charity emphasizes that these deaths cannot be predicted or prevented by parents or medical professionals currently.
Ella and Josh underwent genetic testing, but results were normal, leaving them without further insights. They have kept Willow's possessions untouched in their home, "memorialising" her memory as they navigate their grief.
A Community Response
Pascale Harvie of JustGiving praised Ella's efforts, stating, "Ella's decision to run the half marathon is a deeply moving tribute. By championing SUDC UK, she is turning her personal grief into a lifeline for other families."
The couple encourages donations and awareness, vowing to never stop talking about Willow, whose bubbly and cheeky personality touched many lives.
