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RoSPA - Campaigning mum who lost her baby in nappy sack accident to get top safety award

A young mother whose baby boy died in a nappy sack accident is to be handed a prestigious award after helping to raise awareness to save the lives of other children.

Beth Amison will be presented with the Archangel Award by family safety charity RoSPA at its award ceremony in Birmingham on Wednesday, July 13.

On the morning of March 7, 2013, Beth discovered her son Maison with a nappy sack covering his face – having never stood before, the seven-month-old somehow managed to reach across to the changing stand next to his cot and pull out a bunch of sacks.

Since then Beth, supported by her husband Martyn, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the potential dangers of nappy sacks, as well as helping to spread other child safety messages, through setting up a Facebook page called Maison’s Memory, speaking to the press, and working with RoSPA on its campaigns – including appearing in a RoSPA appeals video which is being shown at this year’s awards ceremony.

The RoSPA Guardian Angel Awards scheme recognises individuals who go above and beyond to improve the safety of others.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive, said: “The tragic events Beth endured on March 7, 2013 were some of the hardest any of us could face. Previously unaware of the risks posed by something as commonplace as a nappy sack, she made it her mission to provide advice and support for other parents and carers.

“Supported by her husband she has worked hard to promote the message that nappy sacks are unsafe. RoSPA commends Beth for her courage and determination in the face of unspeakable tragedy, and would like to honour her with an Archangel Award.”

RoSPA is aware of at least 16 baby deaths in England and Wales due to nappy sacks.

Nappy sacks are thin, plastic sacks used to dispose of soiled nappies but many parents tend to store these items close to the cot or under the mattress for convenience when changing a baby at night. While most people are well aware plastic bags can be dangerous to children they don’t associate these risks with nappy sacks so are less likely to take the same safety precautions. Unlike plastic shopping bags, nappy sacks do not have holes in them.

Nappy sacks are made from light flimsy plastic, which makes it is easy for babies and young children to grasp them. Children this age instinctively discover the world by putting things in their mouth, but once in their mouths they find it difficult to remove and can suffocate or choke. For more information, and advice on other child safety issues, please visit www.rospa.com/parent-hub.

Further Guardian Angel Awards presentations will take place in Glasgow in September. They form part of the 60th annual RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2016.

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