A SCOTSWOMAN is to lead the international effort against cot death.

Mrs Hazel Brooke, executive director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust,

has been elected chairman of SIDS International, the worldwide

federation of cot death organisations.

In developed countries, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), commonly

known as cot death, is the biggest single cause of death in children

over the age of one week. There is no explanation for the syndrome,

which is estimated to kill at least 5000 infants in Europe alone each

year and at least 20,000 around the world.

SIDS International, which works closely with the World Health

Organisation, aims to provide a united voice on cot death issues

worldwide and to co-

ordinate and support research and the care of bereaved families.

Mrs Brooke, who lives in Bearsden, has been working in the field of

cot death since 1979 and was appointed to the post of co-ordinator of

the Scottish Cot Death Trust when it was formed in 1985.

She has been a member of the executive committee of SIDS International

since 1987 and was secretary and deputy chairman in turn. Until

recently, she was chairman of SIDS Europe and was responsible for

establishing and fostering links with medical personnel interested in

SIDS in the newly liberated Eastern European countries.

Mrs Brooke, who is herself not a bereaved parent, says she feels

honoured to be chosen as the spokeswoman for SIDS parents.