A Bridgnorth couple raised over £12,000 for Asthma UK last year in memory of their son who passed away a year ago.
Bridgnorth firefighter Ashley Brown and his wife Gemma have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to raise funds and awareness for the illness, after their son, Cameron, tragically died of an asthma attack on February 21, 2008.
That same month Gemma found out she was pregnant with their latest edition to the family, Matthew, who is now four months old.
Cameron was only two years and four months old when he developed severe breathing difficulties. Despite receiving urgent medical care in both the Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury hospital his condition continued to deteriorate.
He was experiencing a severe asthma attack to which he eventually lost his life when it became too much for his small body to take.
At Cameron’s funeral collections were made for Asthma UK, which then encouraged the couple to organise a number of other events around the town to raise vital funds for the charity. Together they organised Cameron’s Car Wash, a charity ball and a team for the Bridgnorth Walk in 2008, which were all excellently supported by the local community.
A lasting memories fund was also soon set up at Asthma UK as their fundraising efforts and donations continued to grow.
Gemma and Ashley’s efforts also encouraged others to help in the fight against asthma as donations came in from First Avenue Hair, The Bridgnorth Walk Committee, Tesco Express, Phil Hynds Photography and Bridgnorth Rainbows.
A team of firefighters even braved the elements to complete the three peaks challenge, and firefighters from Clun organised various activities to raise even more money.
Even Cameron’s Toddler group and pre-school, in Tasley, got in on the act when they joined together for Cameron’s Birthday and completed a sponsored mini-marathon in fancy dress. Also taking part was Ashley and Gemma’s new baby, Matthew, who was only five days old at the time.
“The support we have received from everybody in Bridgnorth has been amazing and I don’t think we could ever thank people enough,” said Gemma. “Cameron was a very special little boy and it’s clear he’s touched so many people — it really shows in their generosity.
“We are also pleased to announce that there is over £12,000 in Cameron’s Fund at Asthma UK. It’s an amazing amount, more than we ever could have imagined and all in just one year.
“We are definitely going to continue fundraising in memory of our son to increase awareness of asthma, to show how serious it can be and to show people who have it that there is advice, information and support available through Asthma UK.
“We also want to raise money for the charity so they can help improve the lives of people with asthma.”
Neil Churchill the Chief Executive of Asthma UK said: “Three people die every day from asthma and yet few people realise how serious it can be.
“Gemma and Ashley have been brilliant at raising awareness and vital donations for Asthma UK, which go towards asthma nurses, training and education for schools and research to improve understanding about asthma and find new treatments.
“We want a world where people have control over asthma today and freedom from asthma tomorrow, but we can only achieve this through the efforts of people like the Browns.”
Gemma and Ashley have already started their plans for fundraising in 2009 and ask for anyone who would like to join Team Cameron in the Bridgnorth Walk on May 25, to get in touch. They also welcome donations of raffle prizes to help them raise money at their events.
Gemma and Ashley can be contacted on (01746) 766256 and further donations came be made on Cameron’s web page, www.justgiving.com/
teamcameron2009.