In April 2023, Daisy McKenzie was enjoying life as a busy mother of four boys. Her son Albie had just celebrated his first birthday, joining his brothers Caden (now 18), Jacob (16), and Milo (5). Daisy, 37, married to Eion, 51, recalled the joyous occasion to Metro. 'He'd just had a big chocolate cake, and we all sang to him,' she said. 'Albie was our fourth boy. The first thing he learned was to clap, so he used to clap for all of us. He loved being in the garden, playing with dinosaurs, and would always go up the slide instead of down it.'
On Thursday, April 27, Albie attended nursery and took his first bus ride. Back home, he had dinner but seemed tired, so Daisy put him to bed early. 'His dad was tickling him on his nose and tummy, making him laugh. He fell asleep happy and healthy,' Daisy said.
But the next morning, Daisy found Albie unresponsive. 'I remember doing CPR, shouting to Eion to call 999, and the rest is a blur,' she said. Paramedics fought to save him, but eventually delivered the devastating news that Albie had died. 'It was like nothing I've ever felt before,' Daisy said.
With Daisy holding Albie, paramedics explained that police would arrive at their home in Inverness, Scotland. 'I remember the paramedic saying: "There's about to be a lot of people here." It was confusing and overwhelming. My child had just died, and now there were officers in my home,' she said.
Understanding SUDC
SUDC UK defines Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood as the unexpected death of a child aged 1 to 18 that remains unexplained. Around 40 children are affected annually in the UK, equivalent to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often while sleeping.
Although police involvement is standard procedure, Daisy found it distressing. 'I had to go downstairs to speak to the police. I asked the paramedics to keep holding Albie. I didn't want him left alone. Everyone was lovely, but I felt under suspicion. I thought: "Did I do something wrong?" Even though I knew I hadn't. The police even took some of Albie's things, including his bedding and a rainbow pillow he slept with.'
Albie was taken to hospital, where Daisy gave a statement and blood samples. 'A nurse held Albie in another room while I gave my statement. It took an hour. I wish I'd had that with him,' she said.
Albie was then taken to Aberdeen for a post-mortem, over two hours away. The family couldn't see him for three weeks. 'Every day felt so long because I wanted him back in Inverness. I was phoning daily for updates, full of fear that I might have done something wrong or missed that he was unwell,' Daisy said.
Three weeks later, the cause of death was determined as SUDC, meaning no explanation. 'That was difficult because I wanted information. I wanted to know if I could have done anything. But there's no way to prevent or predict it,' she said.
Supporting the Family
Daisy and Eion focused on supporting their other children. The boys' school offered counselling and allowed them to leave lessons when needed. 'I was so worried about them. I was still a mum, so I was conscious thinking, "How are they coping?"' Daisy said.
Daisy visited Albie at the funeral home in Aberdeen. 'They let me go at all hours, even staying open late,' she said. Albie was laid to rest on May 24, 2023. 'I spoke at his funeral. There was so much I still wanted to say to him. It was probably a blubber and mess, but it didn't matter. We played Taylor Swift. Everyone remembered him and talked about how wonderful he was.'
One year and eight months after Albie's death, the police investigation closed, bringing relief. Due to a backlog of cases, it took longer than expected. Now, almost three years later, Daisy says grief is difficult to navigate. 'I can feel about five emotions in one day. My stages of grief haven't followed a neat timeline; they've been messy and jumbled.'
Daisy also learned that happiness and sadness can coexist, especially after welcoming a new baby boy, Bhodi. 'Having Bhodi was a whirlwind because I was so anxious during pregnancy. But since he's been here, he's a fun little baby, like a comedian. I feel like Albie chose him for us because he knew what we needed.' Bhodi's middle name is Albie, so he can say, 'That's the name of my big brother.'
Daisy was extra cautious with Bhodi, especially around his first birthday and the two-week mark when Albie died. 'I probably had him at the doctors quite a few times that month just to get him checked over,' she said.
The family marks Albie's birthday with charitable projects reflecting his interests, like planting a community garden because he loved being outdoors. Albie remains woven into daily life. They buy each child a Christmas bauble every year, including one for Albie, write his name in the sand at Nairn Beach, and a teddy bear made from his clothes accompanies them on holidays.
Recently, Caden turned 18 and got Albie's date of birth tattooed on his forearm. 'Usually parents would be annoyed about a tattoo, but I'm proud he did that. I was really touched,' Daisy said.
When asked how many children she has, Daisy says, 'Sometimes it makes people uncomfortable, but it would make me more uncomfortable not to mention Albie. I always say I've got five boys.'
