A tireless Bradford couple have reached a major landmark in their money-spinning efforts providing baby alarms for parents who have lost children to cot death.

Peter and Pat Pickering began raising money following the death of their grandson from the syndrome in 1991 and have now handed over their 100th device.

The latest batch of 12 alarms has been presented to staff in maternity at Bradford Royal Infirmary and will now be distributed to parents with new born children who have previously lost babies to cot death.

A further 24 alarms will be given to hospitals in Dewsbury and Leeds following a year when more than £9,000 was collected for the appeal in raffles across the area and from a donation of £2,500 from Sovereign Health Care - bringing fundraising over the years to a grand total of £42,000.

The alarm monitors a baby's breathing and is triggered if it stops or becomes abnormal while the child is sleeping.

Mrs Pickering, of Brantwood Avenue, Heaton, said the family knew the devastation of cot death following the loss of their grandson Andrew Bushby in 1991 and hoped the monitors would make a difference.

It was a major milestone and she thanked everyone who had bought raffle tickets or contributed gifts.

"We want to continue for as long as possible to try to help whoever we can," she said.

Dr Chris Day, consultant neonatal paediatrician at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said the monitors gave parents tremendous peace of mind.

But it was still important for them to take safeguards against cot death which included following advice about the baby's sleeping position, temperature and bedding as well as avoiding smoking and encouraging breast feeding.

"They have worked very, very hard raising this money over the years and their support does help in supporting parents enormously," he said.

"It is important to say not all babies need a breathing monitor but it does reassure parents who have previously suffered a tragedy and who are understandably concerned.

"There are many factors involved in cot death and it is important all parents reduce risks by taking up advice which is available."

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