Tragic wife Debbie thanks Market Drayton for a decade of support
As she puts the final touches to the 10th charity evening in memory of her husband and son, Debbie Howlett is grateful for the “unbelievable” support of family, friends and the people of Market Drayton where she lives.
Debbie has been tirelessly working to put on charity evenings every year since a freak wave took the lives of Symon and Jay Howlett while the family was on holiday in Spain in November 2007, with the 10th due to go ahead tomorrow to raise funds for the Lingen Davies Fund.
She chooses a different charity to support every year, and she says the support along the way from Market Drayton is invaluable.
Debbie said of the townspeople who donate time, money and raffle prizes: “They are just unbelievable. I can’t thank them enough for the support they’ve given me.
“Each year it gets better and this one I really hope will be a good one.
“I don’t know where the time has gone. Doing these charity do's helps, I’m still keeping them alive in a way by doing them.
“It’s bringing something positive out of what was the worst experience of my life.”
The 10th charity evening will take place tomorrow at the town’s Royal British Legion club, with live music from Hipster and a raffle, auction and hot food.
Debbie says the events have always been scheduled for this time of year because of poignant anniversaries.
“Symon’s birthday would have been March 26,” said Debbie, “and Jay’s is in April. That’s partly why I do it, to help me get through this time of year.”
Support
Debbie in particular relies on the support of her mother and her best friend, both of whom help out with organising, gathering prizes and raising funds for the events.
Mum, Lyn Ciely, and friend, Kathy Bently, have been supporting Debbie ever since the tragic accident, and will be showing their support at this year’s evening too.
She said: “Between the two of them they are a massive help and source of support.
“I’m just really grateful for all the support.”
To buy tickets for the evening at £10, contact Debbie on 07917 194122. Tickets may be available on the door, but last year’s event was a sell-out.
Back in November 2017, Debbie also organised a football match to mark the 10th anniversary of the pair’s deaths. A team representing the Joiners Arms, which Symon played for, faced off against members of various teams that Symon played against in his football days.
Symon Howlett, who was 32, rescued his eldest son Thomas and dived back in to try and rescue five-year-old Jay after the wave struck in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava.
Debbie and Symon had paused to take pictures of Jay and their other son Thomas, nine, but could only watch in horror as they were swept into the sea by a freak wave.
Mr Howlett then leapt into the sea himself, managing to save his eldest child before returning to the water for Jay. But both were then overcome by the waves as the rest of their family looked on.
