Market Drayton woman's fundraiser for brother
Preparations are well underway for a Market Drayton woman's 11th annual memorial fundraiser, and this year it is her own ill younger brother who will benefit.
Debbie Howlett lost her husband and son in a freak accident in 2007 and every year since has put on nights of fun, food and live music in the town to support various good causes and keep the memory of her family alive.
Debbie's brother Martyn Kiely was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis the same year Symon and Jay were swept out to sea on the Costa Brava by a freak wave, but over the past year his mobility has deteriorated and he is now wheelchair-bound.
Martyn, 40, lives in Market Drayton with the siblings' mother and has great difficulty leaving the house because of his extreme fatigue.
Debbie said: "At the minute Martin isn't very good at all, he needs a lot of assistance.
"He can't grip things so eating is difficult.
Fatigued
"He can get out of his raise-and-recline chair and into his wheelchair and that is basically it.
"His legs just give way on him. He is so fatigued a lot of the time.
"My son is stopping there at the moment to help out with things.
"Martyn is hoping to be able to get a grant to help with things but there are certain things the grant won't cover.
"One thing that would make a massive difference is a car. He can't drive, he can't get into any vehicle at the minute.
"It would be nice if we could have some of the money go towards getting him a vehicle he can get in and out of with his wheelchair."
The family is also looking to move to a bungalow, to allow Martyn to stay on one level.
This year's fundraiser will take place next March 29 at the Royal British Legion in Church Street, Market Drayton.
Tribute
There will be music by Hipster, a disco, hot food, a raffle and an auction.
Debbie, 47, is still collecting raffle prizes from businesses and selling tickets, and she paid tribute to the people who support the event every year.
She said: "The town is so generous and without the love and the generosity of the local people I wouldn't still be doing this, because they're the ones who help and make it successful."
The event grows every year, and last year’s effort raised £3,325 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Appeal and the Tiny Tigers.
Debbie said she chooses a different charity every year so she can help as many people as possible.
For tickets to the event contact Debbie on 07917 194122, visit Pete’s Chip Shop in Shrewsbury Street, or Cooke and Thomas in the High Street.
