Covid hampers mum’s efforts in memory of son

Jamie Forever12 was set up by Donna Elsom in memory of her son who died aged 12.

While undergoing treatment Jamie was given an Xbox from a charity as a Christmas gift, which he used to play and chat online with his friends. Inspired by this, Donna’s charity will give Christmas gifts to seriously ill or terminally ill children aged 16 or under in the East Midlands.

Donna said: “Our fundraising efforts this year have been severely hit due to Covid 19.

“We had charity balls planned, a fun day, bingo, a race night and all sorts that we have postponed to next year. We have done some online raffles and bingo and a friend is a medium who donates profits to us, but we will not achieve what we expected in our first year.”

They had hoped to raised £10,000 but it will now be more like £5,00-6,000.

She said: “We are hoping to have a Christmas Fair on December 12 and will draw a Christmas Raffle to be drawnat the event.”

She needs local business people to help by donating or sponsoring the raffle with a star prize. She has already had afternoon teas and vouchers donated. You can email: [email protected] or message her via the charity Facebook page.

Donna said: “When Jamie was alive we were supported by charities and we want to give something back. It has helped us to keep focussed. We do not want to disappoint children this year.”

Jamie was diagnosed aged 10 with Ewing’s Sarcoma after a fall at football revealed a tumour in his tibia which had metastasized.

Rounds of chemotherapy and a trial treatment failed to eradicate the cancer and Jamie finally passed away. Donna said: “He was so brave and never cried.

“There is a big gap now which will never be filled.”