A MAN whose cousin died of cot death 11 years ago is selling charity wristbands to stop the devastating illness claiming other babies' lives.

Baby Callum Lee, of York, stopped breathing at a mother and toddler group aged 17 weeks. He was resuscitated and taken to York Hospital, where he survived for five days on a life support machine before the decision was made to switch it off.

His family have fundraised each year to commemorate the anniversary of his death, but this year, Dan seized an opportunity.

"Everybody was devastated when Callum died," said Dan, 30, of Acomb, York. "I was upset at the time but it was only when I had my own daughter, Jasmine, two-and-a-half years ago that it really sank in what Callum's mum and dad have gone through.

"I used to check on Jasmine a lot through the night, I was so aware of what happened to Callum and frightened it could have happened to her.

"Everyone is wearing charity wristbands at the moment, they are the latest craze. I thought if we could jump on the band wagon we could raise a lot of money that could really help research cot death."

Dan, a courier driver, has produced 5,000 "babies sleep safe" bands that are selling in York shops, on eBay and through the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) for £2.

Callum's mum, Tricia, said she and her husband were extremely proud of Dan.

She said: "We also appreciate all the sponsorship from local firms, which has enabled Dan to progress this fundraising event."

The gold and white wristbands have been sponsored by Harry Nicholas Hairdressing and N12 hair design. DocQwise Business Services LTD and York Repro-Graphic have helped package them.

FSID director Joyce Epstein said: "This is a great way of raising awareness about safe sleeping for babies and the need for more research into the causes of sudden infant death, which still claims seven babies every week in the UK.

To buy a wristband, phone FSID on 0870 443 6814 or email fsid@sids.org.uk.

Updated: 10:09 Tuesday, July 12, 2005