Laura and close friend Natalie Bridgman, 28, from Stubbington, planned and organised a charity ball in memory of David, calling it the Red Heart Ball. They raised almost £5,000 from the Red Heart Ball and Barclays – where Natalie works as branch manager in Park Gate – added a further £4,000.
It took Laura and Natalie five months to organise the event at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton last September – a year after David’s death. Nothing went wrong and everything went to plan on the night. We wanted everyone to have a good time. We had CRY leaflets on tables and Sue Standing-Fisher volunteered to be a representative for us and spoke to the guests. Although Sue doesn’t work for the charity, she is a massive supporter and raises money for them too as unfortunately she experienced losing her son to sudden adult death. More than 140 people bought a £35 ticket to enjoy a three-course-meal and listen to popular local band The Stereotypes. There was also a raffle and silent auctions, with prizes donated by a number of local businesses.
Laura Miles
