Storm-hit Sidmouth fun day still raised �233

Bereaved parents organised charity event

BRANSCOMBE Village Hall came to the rescue of bereaved parents who saw plans for their first charity fun day in Sidmouth dashed by stormy weather.

Greg and Jen Phillips, and pal Lynette Olding, hoped an event at The Ham on Sunday would raise cash for the cause they set up in memory of their twins who tragically died before birth.

Heavy rain left them facing having to cancel the fun day before a frantic last gasp search landed them an indoor spot in Branscombe. The event defied miserable weather and raised �233 for the Snow Drop Appeal.

Greg and Jen, from Plympton, founded the charity to raise �10,000 to allow for an area to provide a more dignified and relaxed environment to those grieving at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital.

The couple were hit by a double tragedy in 2008 and 2009 when their unborn twins died. Jessica was lost due to vanishing twin syndrome, while Jasmine was stillborn at 32 weeks.

Close friend Lynette, 21, from Manstone Avenue, Sidmouth, said: “We made the best out of a bad situation. We raised �233 which was better than a kick in the teeth.

“The people at Branscombe Village Hall were absolutely lovely,” said the mum-of-two.

“We’ve got permission to run an event at The Ham on July 10. Hopefully we’ll have more luck then.”

Lynette thanked everybody involved with the event who provided their services for free.