The family of a well-known Burnham-On-Sea man who tragically died at age 35 have raised thousand of pounds in his memory at a special ball.
James Griffiths died at Harefield Hospital in London in April last year, as reported here at the time, after he experienced complications as a result of a three-part heart operation.
The 35-year-old suffered from Marfan’s syndrome, a disorder of the body’s connective tissues, which causes heart defects and lens dislocation.
His mother Louise and sister Victoria organised ‘The One for James Ball’ at The Batch Country House in Lympsham on April 27th as a tribute to him.
The sell-pout event was attended by 300 people and £10,400 was raised on the night, which has been divided between the Bristol Eye Hospital and Harefield Hospital, both of which helped James.
Louise Medd, James’ mum, said: “I would just like to say thank you to everyone that helped, attended and donated.”
“It was a wonderful to celebrate James’s life and raise money for the two hospitals.”
“Also special thanks to The Rock Choir who sang throughout the event, ‘Buster’ who was compare and auctioneer and the band Six Machine who provided the music after dinner.”
On May 27th the fundraising will continue when Louise and Victoria are running the Edinburgh Half Marathon with with two of James’ friends, Helen Jenkins and Wayne Barrett who are running the full marathon.
A fundraising page is online here has already raised more than £1,000 of their target of £1,500.
Fundraiser James Reddish says on the page: “For people that knew him, James was a constant inspiration as he constantly tackled health issues and challenges, always doing so with his unique sense of positivity, humour and wit. It’s something we all need to channel through our training.”
Funds raised from the race will be shared between Bristol Eye Hospital, Harefield Hospital and The British Heart Foundation.
