A mother who lost her four-month-old daughter to cot death is holding a sponsored cycle ride to raise money for research into the condition.

Michelle Turner, whose daughter Chloe died in April, says not enough is known about what causes cot deaths.

Miss Turner, 24, who lives with her partner Mark Parsons and their three-year-old son Nathan in Normandy Crescent, Cowley, Oxford, has gathered a group of 30 friends to take part in the ride from the Prince of Wales pub, in nearby Horspath Road, on Saturday.

She spoke of the anguish Chloe's death caused her and electrician Mr Parsons, also 24.

She said: "It's inexplicable unless you've been through it. There's no way of describing how you feel. Your child is there one minute and gone the next, with no explanation.

"There's nothing anyone can do or say. It's not as if you know there has been an accident and you know the cause.

"There are many people out there who have lost a child through cot death. Only they would be able to understand the grief and the hurt."

Cot death, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the unexpected death, usually during sleep, of an apparently healthy baby.

Miss Turner has opened a bank account for the fundraising event and will present the proceeds to the Foundation for the Study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which backs research into the condition. She hopes to raise £2,500.

She said: "Through speaking to various people, we found out not enough research is done on cot death and no-one knows what causes it.

"We don't know if it's an illness the child gets or if the child forgets to breathe. That's why research is essential."

The sponsored ride starts at 1pm. Cyclists will pass through Cowley, Headington, Barton, and near Forest Hill, before returning to the Prince of Wales.

There will be a prize raffle at the pub at 5.30pm, with prizes donated by shops in Templars Square, Cowley. Other prizes include a pair of tickets to see Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, and a Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt donated after Miss Turner wrote to airline boss Sir Richard Branson. All raffle tickets must be bought by 5pm.

There will also be collection tins at the pub for people to donate or call Miss Turner on 07939 497588 to pledge money.