MEDICAL centre staff and parents are embarking on a series of fundraising events to help families who may have suffered as a result of cot death.

The fundraising drive by St Andrew's Medical Practice, in Spennymoor, will raise money to buy an apnoea monitor.

The monitor can be used by families who may have suffered as a result of cot death to keep an eye on the progress of babies.

It detects babies' movements as they breathe and an alarm sounds if breathing movement stops after a specified length of time.

At the moment, the practice has two monitors available, but staff are looking to buy another, costing £340.

So far, a raffle at a recent concert raised £74 and a guess the baby photograph competition is ongoing at the practice.

The community is also being asked to rally round a sponsored toddle and push by the local Bumps 'n Babes, Gingerbread and Little Rascals toddler groups.

The group will toddle around Jubilee Park tomorrow, at 11am, and hopes that its efforts will raise a substantial amount of money towards the cause.