AN EARLY visit from Santa will help raise money in memory of Grace Taylor.
The tot's parents have organised a Christmas fair for Sunday, at St Christopher's Methodist Church, Convamore Road, Grimsby.
Money raised will go towards St Andrew's Children's Hospice, as a way for Laura Taylor and her partner Paul Taylor to say thanks for the help received.
After the death of their daughter, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the hospice on Peaks Lane, Grimsby, were on hand to help them cope.
Laura was adamant that her daughter was not to be put in a morgue until her funeral – and the hospice was able to provide a specially designed room for Grace to rest in instead.
Laura said: "The hospice's help started while Grace was alive as Kelly Oldham, a senior children's nurse from there, would occasionally visit the house.
"She would just come to chat and help play with my son Luke, 2, while I dealt with Grace.
"It was a much-needed lifeline, especially while Paul was at work.
"However, the hospice really touched me when they offered this chilled bedroom for Grace's body to rest in.
"It looked just like a normal bedroom and to have her in there while we sorted out the funeral was fantastic – she looked so peaceful.
"Before I never really knew what the hospice did for people but, after the help we have received, I want to raise money so that their services are available for other children in the future."
Laura describes her daughter as a clever and beautiful girl who was always so happy.
She says losing Grace is the hardest thing she will ever face but throwing herself into this fundraising event is keeping her going.
She said: "It is just heartbreaking to think Grace was born and then died less than a year into her life.
"I hope this fair will bring a lot of people out in support of the hospice.
"We are also appealing for donations of auction and raffle prizes for the day."
The event will start at 2pm until 5pm and so far includes craft stalls, cakes, face painting, an auction, raffle and more.
Lynne Lemon, a community fundraiser for St Andrew's Hospice, said: "Every donation the hospice receives is important but it means so much more to those who have raised it when there is a personal reason attached.
"We need to make more people aware that the hospice is not a frightening place to come to and actually gives children a lot of joy.
"We are very grateful to Laura and Paul for thinking about us during their difficult time."
