December 26 – 29th saw St Marys Amateur Dramatic Group in Acklam, Middlesbrough hold their annual pantomime – for 2014 it was Babes in the Wood. This was their tenth production with people from the local community playing all roles.

Eve Bointon, a Macmillan Academy student plays the lead role of Robin Hood and was a friend of James. It was Eves idea to support CRY with the anniversary production this year. James’ mum Karen expressed her thanks to the cast and crew of the group for their hard work and commitment in producing such a marvellous piece of entertainment which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

“James always enjoyed a good panto for the bad jokes and slapstick value as well as appreciating the effort from a musical point of view. Christmas jokes and music were a big part of our Christmases, it’s so very hard knowing we won’t get to share any of this with James again, but important to know that awareness of SADs has been raised in light of us losing him as suddenly and unexpectedly as we did.” 

The collection raised £193.45 and the youth group are holding a further collection in February which James mum has been asked to attend to talk about CRY and the work they do.