Charity hen celebrations for Meghan Markle
We may not be able to go to the Royal Wedding – but we can go to Meghan’s hen party.
A fundraising group that provides life-saving heart screenings for young people has organised its own bash to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – and to raise money for the charity.
One of those behind the idea is Shropshire’s Sue Dewhirst, who’s son, Matthew, died from a heart condition, Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADs), in 2012.
Since then CRY for Matthew has raised tens of thousands of pounds to hold heart screening days at schools and other venues across Shropshire and south Cheshire.
These carry out tests often on young sportsmen and women, like Matthew, to ensure there are no underlying heart problems.
Matthew had been to the doctor for what the family now know were symptoms of the condition but, despite wearing a heart monitor at times, it was never diagnosed.
He collapsed while on a holiday fitness scheme at Ellesmere College where he was a pupil. The hen party will be held on April 13 at Wolverley Hall, Wem.
Mrs Dewhirst said: “We are organising the Meghan Markel Hen Party – which she doesn’t know about. It will be an amazing event at the home of John and Caroline Lay.
“Well, actually, in a marquee inside the lambing shed, but it will be fantastic occasion with fizz, food and fun.
“John and Caroline’s son is celebrating his 21 birthday with a party in the marquee the weekend before and they kindly offered it to us for our fundraising.
"They have been wonderfully supportive since Matthew died. There will welcome drinks from noon followed by a fabulous celebratory lunch brought to you by Comyn Bruce Catering with Georgia.
"Tim and his Tipples will be providing all things alcoholic, so make sure to book a taxi.”
As well as refreshments, there will be a range of stalls selling quality crafts and beauty products.
“It will be a really girlie afternoon with lots of retail therapy,” added Mrs Dewhurst. “There are 12 tables of 10, or you can buy tickets singularly.”
The theme of the afternoon will be hearts and flowers.
SADs is a heart condition that kills 12 young people a week in the UK, aged 14 to 35, many of them while engaged in sporting activities.
It is the same condition that almost claimed the life of Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch during a televised game.
He survived and is now recovering, with a pacemaker fitted to regulate his heart.
