Tireless Shropshire woman who lost her son and husband to freak wave continues raising vital funds
Tragedy struck the Howlett family in 2007. While holidaying on the coast of north-eastern Spain, a freak wave claimed the lives of five-year-old Jay and his 32-year-old father Symon.
Almost 16 years on from the worst day of her life, mother Debbie is still tirelessly organising charity events in their memory.
Debbie Howlett, from Market Drayton, has featured in the Shropshire Star a number of times over the years – raising thousands of pounds for local charities and people.
She holds a fundraiser every year at the town's Royal British Legion club, with entertainment, a raffle, a tombola and refreshments.
It's all in honour of her son Jay and husband Symon – who was a keen fundraiser himself.
On November 21, 2007, Debbie, her husband Symon, their nine-year-old son Thomas and five-year-old son Jay were on holiday in the coastal town of Tossa de Mar, near Girona.
Symon and Debbie had paused to take pictures of Jay and Thomas, but could only watch in horror as they were swept into the sea by a huge wave.
