Helping charities in memory of Tracey
Friends and family of a much-missed mum are hoping to gather a five-figure sum as they continue fundraising for two special charities in her memory.
Health visitor Tracey Brew, from East Boldon, died in 2014 from kidney cancer at the age of just 47.
Her husband, Simon, children, Chris and Steph, and a group of her closest friends are together raising funds for two special North East charities which supported Tracey during her illness – the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and St Benedict’s Hospice.
Their fund-raising events and activities – which include cycle rides, coffee mornings, Great North Runs, hikes and more – all come under the poignant banner, “We Still Wish You Were Here”, and have included a live music night at the Grey Horse in East Boldon.
The sell-out celebration event at the Roker Hotel featured music by Marty Craggs and his Unexpected Visitors and The Ultimate Mercury Tribute, Joseph Lee Jackson.
Auction prizes kindly donated by businesses includdy ed a five-star mini break to Dubai donated by Hays Travel, which raised £1,600 thanks to the winning bid from Julie Lightfoot, from South Shields.
Other businesses which helped include Santander, British Airways, the Roker Hotel, Barclays, Arnold Clark and many local firms.
Tracey’s family and friends and representatives of the two charities were in attendance – including Sir Bobby Robson’s widow, LaThe Elsie, and son, Mark – and a huge £7,500 was raised on the night.
Lynda Kerr, who helped organise the celebration, said: “We’ve done quite a few fund-raisers including the Great North Run, the Sunderland 10k, coffee mornings and things, but this was the big one.
“We’re thrilled by the way everyone’s pulled together and we’re hoping as much as £12,000 may be generated for the two charities through the event thanks to support pledged afterwards.
“We want to keep the memory of Tracey Brew alive. She was very loved and a truly special person.
“It has all been a great distraction for family and friends and a chance to invest our energy into something positive, which Tracey would have absolutely loved.”
Lady Elsie said: “I know Tracey’s family and friends have been fund-raising for a couple of years now.
“We’re more than grateful for all their efforts and will ensure the money raised will be well used.”
“She was a very loved and truly special person” LYNDA KERR