Pals organise night out to remember Florence

Old school friends are teaming up to raise funds in memory of a baby girl who died at only a week old.
Baby Florence Gaydon (deceased)Baby Florence Gaydon (deceased)
Baby Florence Gaydon (deceased)

Florence Briah Hardwick was born on July 28, 2011. Only seven days after her birth baby Florie, as her parents remember her, suddenly became ill and despite a brave battle for life she died of a very rare virus strain.

Mother Beth Hardwick, an old Warden Park School, Cuckfield, student, and her husband Sam would like money raised in her name to go towards a play park in her memory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Three old school friends from Warden Park School in Cuckfield have teamed together to put on an evening of music and dancing in Bolney to raise money for the project. Feelings of loss are still felt deeply by family and friends.

This has spurred three of Beth’s friends Aimee Wiggins, Georgina Earey and James Gaydon into putting on the event on April 13 from 7pm-11.30pm and creating an everlasting memorial to Florie.

James said: “The evening will help to raise money to create a place where children can have fun and enjoy playing for years to come; a fitting legacy of a short-lived but impactful life.

“Once built, users of the play park will be invited to donate each time they visit to support the work of the Air Ambulance who were crucial in helping Florie get emergency care.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The evening fundraiser, held in a converted barn in Colwood Lane, Bolney, will see local Sussex band ‘The Sleepy House Blend’ play and there will also be a hog roast, bar and a raffle.

Georgina Earey said: “We have been been blown away by the generosity that we have encountered in putting on this event.

“From the venue owner, the band, the catering, and the prize donations... it’s been incredible.

“Losing a child is a terrible thing and as a mother myself I can only imagine how hard it has been for Beth and Sam. We hope this event will help keep baby Florie’s memory alive and in the longer term help others in need of emergency care.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ticket price is £15 and no tickets will be available on the night.

Contact Aimee Wiggins on [email protected] or on mobile 07557 043736.More information is available on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/479184222139174.

Related topics: