Bridgnorth mayor tells of personal tragedy behind her charity appeal
Bridgnorth's mayor today told of the driving force behind her ambition to raise cash for charity in her year in office – the tragic death of her son when he was just a toddler.
One of the charities being supported by Councillor Vanessa Voysey is the Brain Tumour Charity.
It is a cause close to her heart as her son, Mewen Dampure, died as a result of a brain tumour 10 years ago, aged just three.
The mayor said: "On his first birthday, my son Mewen was hospitalised in Birmingham Children's Hospital recovering from major brain surgery. Two months later he was allowed home, but this was not to be the end of his time spent in hospitals."
Mewen endured a year of chemotherapy, more brain surgery, and a course of radiotherapy that required him to be anaesthetised every weekday for a month.
Councillor Voysey said: "The medical staff were fantastic, but ultimately, his treatment was not successful and he died at home aged just three and a half."
Before Mewen died, his friends and family became active supporting the Brain Tumour Charity, a charity that supports families and brain tumour sufferers and invests in research.
Councillor Voysey added: "This has carried on and 10 years later, when elected Mayor of Bridgnorth, I asked Mewen's brother to choose an official charity. Without hesitation he chose the Brain Tumour Charity.
"One of the roles of being mayor is fundraising. This year I have been lucky to have the support of Councillor James Gittens who, as mayor's consort, has taken the job of organising all the charity events."
So far Councillor Voysey has raised more than £1,500 for the Brain Tumour Charity and Fund for Youth and Disabled Adults in Bridgnorth.
Councillor Voysey added: "Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, and it is badly in need of funding, that is why I am supporting the Brain Tumour Charity.
"I am also hoping to invest in our future with a local fund for youth and disabled adults of Bridgnorth, this is the other charitable cause we are raising money for with our events."
Upcoming events include heavy metal band Hostile playing at the Castle Hall tomorrow. Admission is £5, with tickets available from Phoenix Body Art, Wild Heart, and will be available on the door.
A Halloween Ball is being held at Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn on October 29. Tickets are now available for the ball and are priced at £25 per person. It will include a two-course meal, DJ and live entertainment throughout the evening. Tables of 10 are available upon request. For tickets contact Bridgnorth Town Council on 01746 762231 or email mayorsparlour@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk
