CHARITY EVENT IN MEMORY OF JOE

Local mum Sue Hughes is holding a charity event on Sunday, 29 June in memory of her son, Joe Cronin, who tragically died suddenly aged 11 in 2008. Joe attended Danesfield School in Marlow, and was just about to start at Borlase. Please join us for this year's 'Joe's Walk and Supper' for a lovely stroll through the Chilterns followed by a family meal. This event is being held again at St Katharine's Retreat House, Parmoor, Frieth, Bucks RG9 6NN. Meet for the walk at 2pm and enjoy drinks in the garden (Pimms or squash) at 4pm. Supper will be served at 5.30pm. Please bring your own wine for the meal.

'You don't have to have known Joe to come. Just enjoy the day with friends and family and support a great cause at the same time. Bring a group of friends or just join us for a lovely afternoon in the local countryside,' says Sue.

'Joe was a fantastic boy. He was the sensible one in the Cronin household, and while he was quiet, gentle, clever and sensitive, he was also funny and loving, and a joy to be around. Our oldest son, he was adored by his mum and dad and his two younger brothers. Joe is still a massive part of our family and he is - and always will be - with us in everything we do.'

An auction and raffle will be held during the supper, with all proceeds raised going to The Compassionate Friends - a charity that supports families who have lost a child.

'They have been a real lifeline for me,' says Sue. 'Everyone involved in The Compassionate Friends has lost a child and they provide support to those starting out on this terrible journey. I am now the local contact, and have formed three support groups in the wider area where people can find help and friendship after the death of a child. 'All support workers in The Compassionate Friends are volunteers, so we are a very cost-effective charity, but we do need funds to be able to run our office, website and helpline, and to provide volunteer support and training. We would also like to be able to subsidise our retreats, raise our profile and expand our services. The charity is desperately short of funds and every individual donation is enormously appreciated.'

If you would like to help, you can either provide a prize for the auction or raffle at 'Joe's Walk', or you could make a donation on the Joe's Walk Just Giving page.

Alternatively, let Sue know if you'd like to attend the event. You can contact Sue by phone on 01628 898514/07798 571857 or by email on shughes@webmd.net.

For more information, visit http://www.tcf.org.uk/