Charity events are a fitting tribute to much-missed Grace
Fundraising in mum’s memory
A charity event held in memory of a childminder who was murdered has raised almost £500 for good causes.
Kate Seaman, whose sister Grace Kissell died at the hands of exsoldier John Haughen in Linwood two years ago, arranged the second Grace’s Day to raise money in her memory.
Friends and family gathered at the Masonic Lodge, in Kilbarchan, to show their support for the fundraisers in aid of local causes close to the childcare worker’s heart.
Kate, 30, told the Paisley Daily Express: “It was a great day but also an emotional one.
“We had various stalls and face painting for the young ones, as well as some tea and cake.
“We managed to raise £ 450 for Petal, a childrens’ trauma councillor, Victim Support Scotland and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.”
Mum-of-one Grace was killed in May 2015 when ex-squaddie Haughen, then 41, stabbed her 27 times at the flat he rented from her in Cowal Drive, Linwood.
Since Grace’s tragic death, her family have held fundraising events in her memory to support Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital Charity.
And former colleagues at the Bowfield Hotel in Howwood took part in a 10K race - in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice - in her name
“We want to keep Grace’s memory alive and raise money for the charities we know she would support,” added Kate.
The family have now set themselves a new fundraising challenge, which kicks off at the start of next year.
“We will be raising money every month for a specific charity, starting with Embrace Child Victims of Crime,” explained Kate.
Grace’s daughter Amber, 15, has been supported by the charity, which recently paid for her to visit Disneyland.
The challenge will see friends and family come together to try new tasks.
Mum-of-one Kate continued: “We also have a tough mudderstyle event planned on one of the months, which Grace’s friends and family will take part in.
“And there will be a family cycle around Millport, plus lots of other things.
“It’s going to be very busy but we are looking forward to it.”