Debbie's 11th annual fundraiser in memory of tragic family
A woman who turned the pain of losing her family in a freak accident into a desire to help others is preparing for her 11th memorial fundraiser night.
Debbie Howlett, from Market Drayton, puts on events every year to help various good causes since her husband Symon and son Jay were swept out to sea in November 2007 while the family was on holiday to the Costa Brava.
This year it is her own brother Martyn Kiely, who has multiple sclerosis, who will benefit with money to help adapt his home.
The first Symon and Jay Howlett Memorial Charity Evening was held in 2008, and now Debbie is preparing for the 11th at the Market Drayton Royal British Legion Club on March 29.
It will include hot food, a raffle and an auction as well as live music from function band Hipster. It will go from 7pm to 1am.
Debbie said: "Martyn has had MS for 11 years but this last year has seen a really big change in him.
"He's now in a wheelchair all the time, he struggles with everyday things.
"He needs a lot of adaptations for how he lives around his home and different things.
"He can get so much help but not for everything so I want to raise some money for him."
The event grows every year, and last year's event raised £3,325 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Appeal and the Tiny Tigers.
Debbie said she chooses a different charity to help every year so she can help as many people as possible, and keep the memories of Symon and Jay alive.
"It's nice to be able to help one of my own but it is sad," said Debbie.
"It helps me because I'm doing it in memory of my boys. It's keeping them alive.
"I feel a reward from it because I'm helping somebody else, it is a happy thing from a very sad thing."
Debbie has been hard at work collecting raffle prizes, and said she is always grateful for the generosity of the people and businesses of Market Drayton.
For tickets to the event contact Debbie on 07917 194122 or visit Pete's Chip Shop in Shrewsbury Street, or Cooke and Thomas in the High Street.
