|
Music and laughter and the memory of an adored
daughter were the magical ingredients of Charlotte's Day that saw the
Blacksmith's Arms in Clyde Street, Sheerness, rocking throughout the
weekend.
Although much of the fun took place on Saturday,
it was a case of Charlotte's weekend, when the carnival atmosphere spilled
over into an equally action-packed Sunday.
Charlotte Wright was just nine when she died of a
heart condition during a school adventure holiday in 2002.
Charlotte's devastated mum, Karen Jones, wanted to
commemorate her daughter and realised the best way was to ensure her name
lives on through charity fund-raising. Since then, family and friends
have campaigned to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Saturday would have been Charlotte's 14th
birthday.
Blacksmith's Arms landlord Mark Black and
musicians Mick Kenten, Steve the Fiddle and Mark Dean, plus a quartet of DJs
- Chris, Jim, Steve and Nigel - made sure the show rocked.
And while supporters enjoyed the sounds, they
feasted on a barbecue run by Charlotte's dad, Chris.
Sheppey Pirates and Zulus brought their own
inimitable style of entertainment, which included mock sword fights, and the
British Queen tug-of-war team emerged victorious over the Blacksmith's Arms.
Live music continued throughout the evening and
again on Sunday, which also featured a knockout pool competition and
barbecue.
Funds were topped by a huge tombola, and a raffle
with a £100 main prize, donated by Mark Black.
By the end of Sunday, Karen was virtually on her
knees through hard work and the strain of making sure the event was a
success. The £1,500 proceeds will be split between CRY, Demelza House
Children's Hospice and Preston Skreens respite unit for children.
|