A CHARITY fun night is being held to secure the future of a little girl who lost her beloved dad to bone cancer – aged just 23 – earlier this month.
Amelia Price is nearly two years old but due to Department for Work and Pension rules has been left with little support following the death of her father.
Jamie Price was diagnosed with bone cancer when he was just 17 but despite it all he and his childhood sweetheart, Katherine, stayed together and later married.
Knowing he was facing chemotherapy and radiotherapy to save his life, Jamie had his sperm frozen so he and Katherine could have a baby – Amelia.
On their wedding day: Jamie and Katherine.
“They met when they were 15 at Kingsley High School,” said Katherine’s mum, Wendy Brook.
“My daughter stuck by him through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the operations, she loved him so much.
“She got good GCSEs, did her A Levels, got a free place a university because her grades were so good, went off to do her nursing degree and then after two years and nine months stopped it to look after Jamie for the last few months.”
Jamie fell ill shortly after leaving school but it was nine months before bone cancer was identified as the cause, said Wendy.
As a result he never got a full time job, so never paid any National Insurance contributions which meant his devastated wife and daughter were not entitled to any form of bereavement payment from the DWP.
Wendy says Jamie fought hard to stay with his wife and daughter: “He underwent a stem cell operation which knocked the cancer back for a while but couldn’t stop it,”
His funeral was last Friday, July 19.
Together: Jamie, Katherine and Amelia shortly before Jamie passed away.
Now with the help of friends and family a fundraising day has been organised at South Redditch Social Club in aid of The Amelia Price Trust on Friday, August 9, before Katherine resumes her nurse training.
The people of Redditch have already started to rally round with many auction and raffle prizes already donated – but more would be welcome, said Wendy.
It will be on an 80s disco theme and attractions include a bouncy castle, soft play, photo booth and food. Entry is £2 per adult and children free. Doors open at 7pm.
For more information or to donate prizes call Katherine’s sister Elizabeth on 07825 084619 or email [email protected].
