FAMILY HOLD CHARITY FUNDRAISER IN MEMORY OF BROOKE

A family whose baby girl passed away in 2012 are celebrating her life by hosting a family fun day to raise money for a charity that supported them while she was seriously ill in two hospitals miles away from home.

On July 25, Sophie and Nick Horsburgh will welcome friends and family to the Ripon City AFC ground for a day of fun to help raise as much money as possible for The Sick Children's Trust. The charity, which runs ten 'Homes from Home' across the country, provided the couple with free-of-charge accommodation at their Eckersley and Crawford Houses, located just minutes from Brooke's bedside.

Brooke was born six weeks premature in March 2011 and had a long battle with breathing and feeding difficulties before tragically passing away the following year. Sophie and Nick, are hosting the event for its third year, after raising over £1000 last year alone. Mum Sophie says:

"The Sick Children's Trust enabled us to be with Brooke when she was undergoing treatment in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, and Leeds General Infirmary. The houses felt like a 'Home from Home', especially Eckersley House which really did become like our second home.

"Last year was a fantastic day and really did do Brooke's memory justice. The day was full of fun, with lots of people coming down to get involved in an 11-a-side football match and simply just celebrate Brooke's life with us.

"This year, we're hoping it'll be as big a success. We're kicking things of at 12:30, we have two teams playing in the football again which will be great for families to watch and we also have lots of activities for the kids, including a bouncy castle, face painting and more."

The Sick Children's Trust is completely reliant on donations, which is why Brooke's family want to raise as much money as possible.

Jane McHale, Eckersley House Manager, says: "It's amazing to see what Brooke's family are doing and we're so grateful for all the support they have given us over the last few years.

"On average, it costs around £28 per night to provide a family with a room in any one of our houses – so this event will make a significant difference."