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Charity walk for Rex Gooden took place at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, to raise money for Brasted Chart playground

11:18, 28 April 2015

A charity walk in memory of a 21-month-old boy who tragically died in his sleep took place last week.

Rex Gooden was put to bed for his afternoon nap at his family home in Westerham on February 7 but did not wake up.

The event saw 90 walkers turn up to Knole Park to raise money for the refurbishment of Brasted Chart children's playground in his memory.

The 15k charity walk took place in memory of Rex who passed away in his sleep. Pic: Martin Apps
The 15k charity walk took place in memory of Rex who passed away in his sleep. Pic: Martin Apps

Unexplained deaths of sleeping toddlers, aged between one and two years old happen around once a month in England and Wales.

A 15k walk was organised by friend of the family, Vikki Rutter, who wanted to help raise spirits, and money, ever since she heard of the passing of Rex.

After raising over £75,000 on a JustGiving page, an extensive research project into the unexplained deaths of toddlers can now commence, and now the aim of the walk was to do something a little closer to home.

Fundraising now aims to raise £10,000 which will see a local children's park, in Brasted Chart, gain a new lease of life, adding equipment and erecting a bench in the young boy's memory.

21-month-old Rex Gooden tragically passed away in his sleep. Photo: Clair Goble
21-month-old Rex Gooden tragically passed away in his sleep. Photo: Clair Goble

Organiser of the walk, Vikki, said:

"Everything went to plan and the turnout was amazing. We never expected to get as many walkers, and even though we all knew the reason we were there the atmosphere was brilliant - everyone was excited to do something to help.

"I remember saying to a friend, when I first started planning, that I'd be happy if we could get even 15 people involved.

Walkers wore blue to remember Rex. Picture: Martin Apps
Walkers wore blue to remember Rex. Picture: Martin Apps

She added: "I really just hoped we could do something to help the family, and keep their spirits high. We wanted to do something for Rex's memory - raising the money for the park is an added bonus really."

The 90 who took part at Knole Park on Friday, April 24 all wore blue, and the total money raised currently stands at over £6,000, to find out more and donate to the cause, click here.

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