Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wonder why Anne Diamond has still not received the recognition she deserves after saving the lives of 1000s of babies.

107 replies

Helpmefindaholiday · 21/09/2018 10:13

I vaguely knew the story but I’ve just read a fuller account. So after her own family tragedy, she researched and discovered a study was going on in NZ where a Dr was promoting the ‘back to sleep’ campaign. She flew out to speak to this Dr and came back and met with V Bottomley who was then health Sec. They wanted to wait and see but AD refused to do this and used her own money to fly the NZ Dr over to speak to VB. it snowballed from there. From 1989-1992 the number of cot deaths in the UK more than halved. That is hundreds of thousands of babies saved thanks to Anne Diamond and her campaign. I just find it incredulous that we hand out ‘gongs’ for all sorts but nothing for a woman whose campaign was a game changer and how many middle aged parents who are happily watching their children get married and give them grandchildren have this woman to thank for saving them from a life of bereaved agony. MN should be campaigning for proper recognition for this woman and all she’s done for children in the UK.

OP posts:
TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 25/09/2018 11:00

Yes yes YES. Make her a Dame. Long overdue.

TheQueef · 25/09/2018 10:37

I think they should have Anne as presenter every Friday on TWS Vine show.

Let her choose her own guests too. No reality stars.

Bestseller · 24/09/2018 20:21

I don't think she did get recognition at the time. I think "they" did a lot of dismissing her as a hysterical grief stricken woman. However, as she has publicly stated she disapproves of they system and would turn an honour down, it's hardly surprising that it hasn't been offered

Artofpretending · 24/09/2018 20:21

I always find her one of the more intelligent and sensible panellists on Loose Women.

carnitine · 24/09/2018 20:15

I do remember her campaign, but never actually considered the impact of it until you posted about it OP, thank you. I do hope she get recognition for it, I also will be writing. I love Anne Diamond and wish she had taken over the Wright Stuff, she is so smart and articulate.

MsDugong · 24/09/2018 20:08

I was a child at the time. I remember her campaign. I even remember a watching a TV interview with her where she discussed her own loss and the statistical drop in numbers of cot deaths that was already evident. She talked about the research at the time too. I don't remember details such as names of researchers or the actual stats themselves. But I do remember the gist of things. It made a big impression in me. So I'm surprised so few seem to know she did this and that there's an idea she didn't get recognition at the time. I thought of her when I had my own children.

Echobelly · 24/09/2018 19:55

I always say that the advice about cot death and not lying babies on their front is the last truly meaningful piece of baby advice to go public (considering how many bits of needlessly scaremongering stuff is put out there to chastise pregnant women and new mothers). I do hope Anne Diamond finds some comfort that her appalling loss has at least lead to countless other tragedies being avoided.

Itsear · 24/09/2018 19:50

Anne Diamond is brilliant, she always contributes well thought out arguments on The Wright Stuff (now Jeremy Vine??). Totally agree with the OP, without her input I would have had no idea about the link with cot death/sleeping position. So sad that she lost one of her precious sons but such a lot of good has come out of this tradgedy.

MaggieSimpsonsPacifier · 24/09/2018 19:29

It looks like this might be her agent (or one of them) - perhaps this would do for an address? rkcpromotions.co.uk/anne-diamond/

DaphneFanshaw · 24/09/2018 16:23

Brilliant thread, will email in a bit. Thanks op.

Helpmefindaholiday · 24/09/2018 16:17

Thanks. I have no connection whatsoever to AD. I was just amazed to read the stats and realise there had been no recognition for such a game changer.

OP posts:
GinIsIn · 24/09/2018 14:44

teaandtoast anyone who has stood in the firing line of a vomiting baby can assert that they have a very strong projecting reflex, which means they can't choke on their vomit.....

LemonScentedStickyBat · 24/09/2018 14:28

Link for teaandtoast to explain why your midwife was wrong. Babies are less at risk of choking on vomit on their backs rednose.com.au/article/will-baby-choke-if-he-she-vomits-while-sleeping-on-the-back

TheQueef · 24/09/2018 14:23

I hope Anne gets a lot of comfort from it Fennella an unsung hero. Grin

GinIsIn · 24/09/2018 14:07

I had no idea either. What an amazing legacy for Sebastian.

RainbowsArePretty · 24/09/2018 13:57

Great thread Help. Thank you for making so many of us aware Star

Helpmefindaholiday · 24/09/2018 11:14

Thank you ladies. I hope someone takes at least a bit of notice.

OP posts:
RainbowsArePretty · 24/09/2018 10:58

My nomination by email is now completed

I attached the link below which is a good summary www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-37908627

womanintrousers · 24/09/2018 10:54

A remarkable woman who turned heartbreaking grief into a positive for thousands of families.

TheQueef · 24/09/2018 10:49

A timely bump.

We remember you Sebastian 💜

RainbowsArePretty · 24/09/2018 10:48

Bump

I will also be emailing [email protected]

Twotailed · 24/09/2018 10:36

I had no idea and agree she should be recognised!

Helpmefindaholiday · 24/09/2018 10:20

I’m just bumping this in case anyone else reads and would like to also send the email in support. It’s
[email protected]

OP posts:
DioneTheDiabolist · 21/09/2018 16:44

YANBU OP. I really like and have great respect for Anne Diamond. I'm Shock that she hasn't been nominated sooner.

Helpmefindaholiday · 21/09/2018 16:23

Thanks @NoonyLa

I’ll email them too. So everyone who expressed a desire to nominate but found the official form impractical, please can you send your request to,

[email protected]

I will do mine now.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread