Halloween family fun day to boost child loss support group near Skegness

Held Wren Farm in Hogsthorpe on October 25, the event will feature live singers, stalls, animals, a bouncy castle, a pizza van, a raffle and tombola.

The fundraiser is being held in aid of Charlie’s Candle – a local support group for parents who have lost a child.

Shelby Ebbitt set up the group in January 2025 in memory of her infant son Charlie, who tragically passed away in 2012, aged just four months.

It wasn’t until after his sudden passing that the young mum was told Charlie had been born with Barth Syndrome - a rare, inherited genetic condition that mainly affects boys, and causes heart weakness, low white blood cell counts, and muscle fatigue.

After moving to the Skegness area from Wakefield five years ago, Shelby said she found there were no local in-person support groups for bereaved parents.

“It’s been nearly 15 years since I lost Charlie, and I’ve been through every stage of grief,” Shelby explains. “After I had my my daughter, my rainbow baby, I realised how much grief I had been holding in, but found there were no local support groups. I decided to set my own up so I could help others who have lost a child.”

Charlie’s Candle now offers in-person and online support. Monthly meetings are held at Artisan Coffee in Lumley Road – along with various events to raise awareness, and to honour the children who have passed away.

Speaking about the Halloween event, which runs from 12-4pm, Shelby added: “We had an incredible day last year, and this year I want to make it even bigger and better!

“Thank you so much to everyone who supported us last year and to everyone already helping this year. It genuinely means the world. Every penny raised will go towards Charlie’s Candle, supporting families affected by the loss of a baby or child.”

For more details, or to find out how you can support the Halloween fundraiser, head over to Charlie’s Candle’s Facebook page.