Charlie Rutherford – 30/11/2014 – 20/04/2015
“On the 30th of November, 2014 Charlie was born. Our first child and the first granddaughter to our parents. She was a happy and healthy baby with a massive personality that touched the hearts of many. She was so happy and left everyone she met filled with joy.
On the morning of April 20, at only 20 weeks old, we woke to find that Charlie had died suddenly in her sleep. Our first born child, love of our lives, was no longer alive. Her death was classified as SIDS, there is no definitive cause known for Charlie’s passing. Having followed all of the safe sleeping guidelines,
the world as we knew it was suddenly and unexpectedly turned on its head. As we continue to place one foot in front of the other, we are doing all we can to contribute to world leading SIDS research via River’s Gift and help forge a future path of positivity and light for parents and babies.” Jess – Charlie’s Mum
Jess and Trent Rutherford are determined for their little girl’s legacy to make an impact in the local community and beyond, as they work together closely with River’s Gift.
“We are so proud to be working with River’s Gift in memory of Charlie. They have supported us in so many ways since Charlie’s passing and we know how critical their work is in finding answers as to why SIDS occurs. Without River’s Gift we know there wouldn’t be the focus on research which is so important for us to understand why Charlie passed away suddenly in her sleep,” said Jess Rutherford.
Jess and Trent Rutherford hosted their Uniting for Charlie Gala Balls in 2022 and 2023, in Ballarat, Victoria. The Gala Balls, held at the Ballarat Golf Club, brought the community together to honour the life of Charlie Rutherford, and help raise vital awareness and funds for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Jess has also supported River’s Gift in the Great Ocean Road Running Festivals, speaking at River’s Gift events and fundraising for charity days such as Shine Blue in November.
Click here to visit Uniting for Charlie on Facebook
Click here the read the full version of Gala in Memory of Charlie article
