Ninth tribute to tragic Market Drayton son and husband
A Market Drayton mother who lost her husband and one of her sons in a tragic accident off the Spanish coast is organising her ninth charity night in their memory.
Debbie Howlett is organising the event to remember her husband Symon and their five-year-old son Jay.
They died after being carried away by stormy seas at Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava, in 2007.
The tragedy happened in north-eastern Spain after Jay and his brother Thomas, who was nine at the time, were knocked off a rock while posing for photographs.
Debbie saw her husband rescue Thomas, only for Mr Howlett to die trying to save their younger child.
Each year Mrs Howlett puts on an event to remember them in March, as March 26 would have been Symon's birthday.
Mrs Howlett said it all started when she decided to hold an event to bring all the family together while holding a small raffle.
This year the charity night will take place on March 24 at the Royal British Legion Club in Market Drayton from 7pm. The band Hipster will perform and there will also be a raffle, hot food, disco and auction. Any money raised will go to Asthma UK.
Mrs Howlett said: "This is the ninth memorial charity evening I have done.
"We have raised money for different charities each year.
"Each year it just gets better and better and the support is amazing.
"I am holding this evening for Asthma UK because after Symon and Jay died, Thomas got asthma and also my godson has suffered with it badly.
"I think more awareness needs to be raised about how nasty it is.
"Last year we raised £2,500 which was brilliant. Everyone has been so supportive. It is such a good night and is a real community event." She is also looking for donated prizes for the charity raffle and auction.
Tickets for the event are £10 and available by calling Debbie on 07917 194122, from Cooke and Thomas and the Kings Arms.
Mrs Howlett also holds a bereavement support group once a month.
The Just About You Support group meet on the third Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm at Christ Church in Little Drayton, near Market Drayton. Tea, coffee and home-made cake will be included for £1 admission fee.
The event will allow people to share stories and feelings about their loved ones.
