A CHARITY fun day has been planned to raise money for the Laura McPhee Memorial Fund.
The event, which takes place at the Linden Homes Social Club on Sunday, July 20, will include a fairground ride, a football match, donkeys, facepainting, a raffle and tombola, and much, much more.
As reported, Laura's tragic death following an asthma attack in December 2010 at the age of just nine, spurred her parents Roy and Trace into setting up a charitable foundation in her name.
With help from family and friends they have raised tens of thousands of pounds for poorly children, and have presented the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, where Laura received treatment for asthma, with specialised medical equipment for youngsters.
Trace said: "I'm really, really looking forward to the event, it should be a great day.
"It sounds like it will be a busy day with lots going on, so I can't wait to get started.
"The memorial fund is as busy as ever, and we're coming up to about £70,000 in donations – which is fantastic.
"We're always busy, and with events like this the more people help us out, the better.
"People keep donating which is priceless, and it means we can buy more equipment for the children.
"If we keep the money ticking over then the more help we can get for these kids."
She said that about £70,000 had been raised by the Laura McPhee Memorial Fund in more than three years, including about £1,000 worth of art equipment, toys and a PlayStation for the Rainforest ward.
The memorial fund pays for machines which help poorly children to breathe better.
The hospital orders the machines and the fund pays for them. The machines are loaned to the children to use at home for as long as they need them.
Steven Cole, who is organising the event along with Mark Barratt, said the event should be a great day for all.
"I actually decided to organise this event last year," he said.
"But I had to wait a little longer due to work commitments. But now we've all clubbed together to make what should be a fantastic day.
"I'm Trace's cousin so I know exactly how good it will be to raise even more funds.
"I've done stuff before for St Andrew's Hospice, so now I'm just hoping we can help these kids and get them the equipment they need."
If you would like to set up a stall at the event or wish to donate a raffle prize, call 07967 355363.
