The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mum grateful for public response to tragic death
A Dundee mum who launched an awareness campaign after her 18-month-old daughter suffocated under a teddy bear said she has been shocked by the scale of the public response to the tragedy.
Dexy Leigh Walsh discovered her daughter Connie Rose had suffocated when she went to wake her on March 6.
Dexy had put stuffed toys, including a large teddy, down the side of the bed to stop Connie Rose from hitting her head against the wall. The toddler was smothered during the night.
Although Dexy tried to perform CPR, paramedics pronounced Connie Rose dead at the scene. Mourners at Connie Rose’s funeral released more than 100 pink balloons in her memory.
Six weeks after Connie Rose’s death, Dexy set up a Facebook page to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving stuffed toys on the beds of young children. She said: “I want every parent to see and be aware of this. Let them fall – don’t try to stuff small places up with soft things, just leave it empty.
“I really hope my little princesses tragic story can save someone else’s baby’s life.”
Dozens of people commented on The Courier’s story about Dexy’s campaign yesterday. Merry Scott wrote: “So sad. Moving my toddler’s teddies out his bed as soon as I get home. This poor mummy blaming herself. It could have happened to so many of us.”
Mary Needs added: “So very sad. Mummy please don’t blame yourself as we have all done this. My deepest sympathy to all family fly with the angels, sweet baby.”
Dexy said: “I’m shocked and happy with how many people are moving things from kids’ beds and cots.”
On her Connie Rose Awareness page, she added: “Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read our story and for all of your kind messages, it means a lot.”