Banbury's MP has met a mother who lost her son to a sudden unexplained death and has attended a Parliamentary reception on the issue.

Victoria Prentis met constituent Samantha Cowley who lost her son Matthew in November.

She said: "Yesterday, I met Samantha Cowley from Bloxham at the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Parliamentary reception.

"Tragically, Samantha’s 13-year-old son Matthew died suddenly without explanation on November 13.

"Matthew had gone to bed, as normal for a Sunday evening, but didn’t wake the following morning.

"Matthew’s parents still have no idea why he died."

Ms Prentis continued: "Losing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare.

"For the death to be unexplained only adds to the trauma."

Ms Prentis highlighted the need for increased awareness and research into this medical phenomenon affecting a child each week in the UK.

She is also supporting SUDC UK - a charity which is raising awareness of the issue.

She said: "I am pleased that SUDC UK were able to host their first event in Parliament to mark the launch of SUDC Awareness Day.

"It was an extremely poignant afternoon as bereaved parents came together to share their stories.

"SUDC UK do so much important work to raise the profile of the issue and provide valuable support for families."