Sister of six-year-old Thurston boy who died from rare brain condition raise cash for play area in his memory
Lauren Godfrey
The sister of a six-year-old Thurston boy who died from a very rare brain condition in May, has raised money for the hospice that treated him.
Louis Butcher suffered from a condition called The Vein of Galen Malformation (VGM) and died at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice in Milton.
His sister Lauren Godfrey who works at the Fox And Hounds Pub in Thurston, and andlady Mandy Ruffles set out to raise funds in memory of Louis.
They held a music night featuring local bands, a charity auction and raffle.
A family fund-raising day was also held, alongside a monthly car wash at the pub, while donations were also given.
In total they raised £12,500 which has paid for a new playground at the hospice.
“We wanted to do something for Louis so decided to raise some money for EACH to purchase play equipment in Louis’ honour,” said Lauren.
Lauren, Louis’s twin sister Megan, Mandy and her husband Bernie presented the cash to the hospice.
“We want to say thank you to all the people and companies who donated auction prizes money and their time to help make our fund-raising possible,” said Lauren.
So far the family has raised £16,000 since July for The Wishes for Louis Fund. Louis’ 16-year-old brother Jack was also involved in the fund-raising.
Between 10-12 children a year in the UK are diagnosed with VGM.
It is a vein deep in the brain. The malformation causes blood to flow faster and at a higher pressure into the vein.
This in turn means the heart has to work faster. It can cause the brain not to develop properly, lead to heart failure or impact on other organs.
A treatment is available. More information is available at www.gosh.nhs.uk
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Tuesday 18 June 2013
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