A couple has launched a campaign to raise awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC) after the death of their daughter.

Ricki Gouldesbrough, 36, and his wife Irene Gatto, 34, of Highbury, have begun raising money for the Viola Memorial Fund, which will publicise the risks of SUDC and help pay for a new climbing frame at Conewood Street Children’s Centre.

Viola died in December after suffering from several seizures and had to be admitted to hospital four times in 10 months.

Mr Gouldesbrough said he wants to make more people aware of SUDC and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and set up support groups for other parents who lost children from either condition.

He said: “There isn’t a lot of awareness out there – nobody tells you it could happen at any time. We started the fund to raise awareness and hopefully one day we can help parents and families this happens to with counselling and group meetings.”

Members of Viola’s family have already been handing out leaflets at the N1 Shopping Centre, Upper Street, Highbury Fields and Highbury Corner. A charity auction is being planned to take place in June.

For information on both SUDC and SUDEP visit sudep.org and sudc.org.