Pub pays tribute to Kasie with a unicorn-themed event and raises £1,000
A BURTON pub staged a unicornthemed fund-raiser in memory of an eight-year-old girl who tragically died from cancer.
Burton girl Kasie Iris Kirby, who loved unicorns, had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive form of brain tumour, and died in July.
Touched by the plight of mum Laura Jones, Navigation pub landlady Sandra Russell decided to put on an event to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer.
And she helped raise £1,000 for the charity, which helps families face youngsters’ battles against cancer.
Sandra, who lives in Burton, said: “We had phenomenal support from the community on the day and I am very pleased with how the day turned out.
“It was a very special day and the pub was full of people throughout the day. It was difficult to count how many people there were and right through to the end people were coming in and out. Having Kasie’s family there made it even more special and when I handed the money to them to give to the charity it was a very special feeling.
“We were a little worried about the weather but it was beautiful on the day. It really shone through for Kasie and I was praying for no rain.
“Our football team, The Navigation FC, played a friendly against the Burton Albion Supporters FC and that raised an extra £90, and after the game both teams came back to the pub to continue supporting the cause.
“I’m planning another fundraiser around Halloween, and I am confident the community will rally around again and give their support.” The pub was decked out with unicorn decorations in homage to Kasie’s love for the mythical creatures. The day included activities such as a raffle, a bouncy castle, Disney-style fancy dress characters and an auction.
Mum Laura Jones told previously how losing her daughter had turned her world upside down.
The youngster was diagnosed with the illness in February and fought hard for five month, said Laura.
The senior support worker said earlier this year: “You never expect your children to go before you and you never know what’s around the corner.
“She was just a normal eight-yearold girl who loved mermaids and unicorns and was a happy child.
“The type of cancer she had is rare and unfortunately there’s no cure.
That’s why I want to mention how important it is to support the charities that are out there looking into research and plans on how to cure cancer.
“This illness can happen to anyone. I’d like to mention the support Young Lives vs Cancer has shown has been amazing.”
The event at the Navigation, in Horninglow Road, took place on Saturday, August 28.