Hundreds of local people attended a special fundraising concert for a new charity that has been formed in memory of a Burnham-On-Sea teenager who died in September.
18 year-old Charley Marks passed away in September and a new charity, In Charley’s Memory, has been created to support young people with mental health issues.
Over 300 people attended Friday’s fundraising concert at the Ritz Social Club in Victoria Street, as pictured here.
Charley’s mother, Jo Clement, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We raised £2,089 which included the admittance charge, a raffle and selling wristbands.”
“I am touched and overjoyed that the first event was so successful and has raised such a huge amount for our new charity, In Charley’s Memory.”
“We need £5,000 to officially get charity status and we’re now well on the way to getting that thanks to the support of many people in Burnham who knew Charley.”
“I would also like to thank our MP, Tessa Munt, who attended Friday’s concert and has been so supportive in recent weeks. She got in touch with us direct and has also Tweeted her support for the charity.”
Jo added: “The new charity is being formed to support young adults, aged 18-25, who suffer with mental health issues, and their families.”
“We are in the process of designing a web page and I’d like to visit schools and colleges to talk about mental health and tell them Charley’s story.”
“I have long-term plans to open a drop-in clinic and open a place where young adults can receive long or short-term accommodation with 24-hour support and help.”
“There is nothing like this in Somerset that is aimed at this age range and that is where Charley was failed.”
Local music group Daft Folk played at Friday’s concert, plus friends. Charley’s sister, Daisy-Mae, has also recorded a song in his memory which was performed at the event.
