Forty years ago, two bereaved mothers, Bel Mooney and Hazelanne Lewis, found there was no support available for them following the deaths of their babies. Realising there were many bereaved parents across the UK left similarly devastated and without support, they founded Sands in 1978, The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity.

One of the greatest traumas imaginable is when parents have to deal with the death of a child. Through her grief, one local woman, Maria Braithwaite, has created a small business selling handmade memorial gifts – although they can also be bought for family members still with us. She has sold many ‘Big Sister of an Angel’ items, for example.

Maria is now organising an event in aid of SANDS, in memory of her son Owen, sadly born sleeping in 2016. Fundraising for the charity and an opportunity to display her wares, she has arranged a Craft Fayre Fun Day on Saturday, 7th July at the Somer Centre, in Midsomer Norton from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

As well as Owen’s Angel Wings, there will be many other craft stalls and tarot readers, handmade jewellery, Party Lite and Avon. For the children there will be a bouncy castle, glitter tattoos, free face painting and games to keep them entertained, although supervision is required.

Local singer, Cliff, will be compering and drawing the raffle, which has a great selection of prizes, mainly from local businesses that have all been very generous. These include the majority of the High Street businesses and others.

Come along for a fun morning and support a worthwhile charity at the same time.