Chris Wade and his girlfriend Becky Shaw, and Chris's Dad Paul Wade with their banner outside West Ham Football Ground. Picture: Melissa Page

Charity launch at West Ham United for baby Tyler the ‘smiler’

by Melissa York, Reporter Thursday, August 9, 2012
1:00 PM

A Custom House couple are attempting a football charity feat this month in memory of their baby who died just 15 months old.

Chris Wade and his girlfriend Becky Shaw tragically lost their son Tyler George Shaw to cot death on April 1.

But the brave couple decided to turn tragedy into charity and they will be attempting to visit 92 English League football grounds from the Premiership to League Two in a week starting on Monday August 20 for child bereavement organisation the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID).

Football fan and Newham Council plumber Chris said: “He sadly died in his sleep at our home. In the 15 short months that he lived, he was such a happy baby. He was a proper little smiler.

“He lit up every room he went in, and we know his star is lighting up the sky. Recently we decided we wanted to raise money in Tyler’s name and raising money for this great charity, FSID, is the perfect way to start.”

The UK charity aims to prevent unexpected deaths in infancy and promote infant health by funding research and supporting parents of children who have died through helplines, a network of trained befrienders, and a programme of events and family days out.

Father Paul Wade is joining them for the fundraising tour where they will raise awarenes by holding their sign outside the club for a photo in aid of FSID.

The cause got off to a flying start with Tyler’s JustGiving page collecting £500 in under 48 hours and Chris says they have raised just over £2,000 to date.

To donate in memory of Tyler, visit www.justgiving.com/tylershaw or pick up a sponsorship form in Plaistow from the Army & Navy pub in New Barn Street or from the Abbey Arms pub on Barking Road.