A couple who lost their baby when he was just 18 days old have raised £7,000 for the charity which supported them before and after their loss.
Joanne and Jonathan Rawlings, from Ipswich, have been raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) since the death of their newborn son James in May last year.
The family are now preparing for their next fundraiser - the Felixstowe Glow Walk on Saturday, October 28. The couple, along with their six-month-old son Joshua James, will complete the two-mile course dressed as pumpkins to remember James.
Joanne said: “We’re excited to take part in this year’s Glow Walk as it will be Josh’s first fundraising event in memory of his older brother James.
“We’d encourage others to part in this great, fun event as it helps raise money for The Treehouse, in Ipswich, which has been an invaluable lifeline to our family over the last 18 months and provides that same level of support to many more.”
In June, a coroner ruled James died as a result of a delay in Joanne having an emergency C-section. He was not breathing when he was delivered and there was also a delay in resuscitating him as the newborn had a blocked airway.
The Glow Walk starts at 6pm at Felixstowe Leisure Centre, in Undercliff Road West. Another Glow Walk, with a three-mile route, will take place simultaneously in Stowmarket, starting and finishing at Finborough School. A disco will end the evening at both venues.
Tickets cost £7 per child and £2 per adult. The prices include light up head boppers and a medal for children, plus refreshments. Fancy dress is optional, but prizes will be awarded for the best homemade costume, as well as for those who raise the most sponsorship.
Natasha Brame, EACH Suffolk community fundraiser, said: “Families can be assured of a great evening with some spooky surprises along the way, so please do join us.
“All the money raised from the Glow Walks will help us continue to care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and provide support for their families.”
For more information, visit www.each.org.uk/glow-walks
Those unable to take part can offer to volunteer – contact EACH Suffolk fundraising assistant Georgia Memory on 01473 276196 or at georgia.memory@each.org.uk – or sponsor Joshua James and his family at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joshiepants
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