Jayne Woodhouse had hoped to be at this year’s Sunniside Live event, particularly as the song, Never Stop, by headline act the Brand New Heavies, was a favourite and was played at her wedding.
Sadly Jayne passed away earlier this month (June) and now organisers Helen Davies and Sean Maddison – who were friends of Jayne and her husband Woody – are using the event to raise money for the Smiles4Jayne fund.
The fund was set up to raise money for Sunderland Cancer Patient Support based at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the aim now is to have a raffle at Sunniside Live on 16 July to boost the charity.
A range of other charities are also set to benefit from Smiles4Jayne, including St Benedict’s Hospice, the Phoenix Unit at Sunderland Royal and Hug in a Bag, which provides gift bags to women suffering from cancer
Helen and Sean, who run bars Bar Justice and Gin and Bear It in Sunderland city centre, are also now appealing to businesses to donate prizes for the raffle.
“Jayne was a great friend of ours and we had really hoped she’d have been with us for Sunniside Live,” said Sean.
“We are hoping that we can encourage businesses to donate prizes and that people who attend on the day will buy tickets to support this fantastic cause.
“We are glad Woody is still coming along and we know Jayne will be with us in spirit.”
Jayne’s husband Woody said it was “ fantastic” that money would be raised for Smiles4Jayne at the event.
“This is such a good cause and I’m really grateful that Sean and Helen are using their event to support it,” he said.
Sunniside Live features a range of top acts including the Brand New Heavies and special guests Shola Ama and Alison Limerick, plus a host of top North East talent.
Tickets are £10 each and available from Bar Justice and Gin and Bear It at West Sunniside or at www.sunnisidelive.co.uk
Anyone wanting to donate prizes should get in touch at info@sunnisidelive.co.uk or drop them in at Bar Justice, 47 West Sunniside, Sunderland