A GRIEVING couple are today celebrating what would have been their daughter’s 25th birthday.

Sian Kendrick and Philip Shelbourne, from Shotton, are releasing colourful balloons in memory of their daughter Jade who died five years ago on Christmas Day, aged 19.

Doctors predicted that Jade would not live past her first birthday after developing severe disabilities as a result of a collapsed lung when she was just 10-weeks-old.

She suffered irreversible brain damage and had epilepsy and heart failure.

Her parents have now launched a huge fundraising challenge to help disabled children in the area and tickets for a charity night on Saturday have already sold out.

Philip has organised a sponsored bike ride from Shotton to Rhyl and back again on Saturday followed by an evening celebration at the British Legion in Shotton, which will include a disco, entertainment and a Shotton’s Got Talent Competition.

Sian, 42, said: “We are delighted that this event has been so popular. It’s going to be a jam packed night because we have lots of acts lined up.”

She added the family will also be going to Jade’s grave in Hawarden today to lay some flowers and release balloons.

Proceeds from Saturday will go to Rebecca Thomson, from Shotton, Freya Fawcett, of Connah’s Quay and Millie Williams, from Connah’s Quay, who all suffer from severe disabilities.

Rebecca, 18, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has undergone numerous operations to insert rods into her back and her family are hoping to use the donation to take her on holiday.

Freya, three, suffers from Downs Syndrome. Her family intend to use the money to buy her much needed interactive toys to encourage her development.

Millie, four, suffers from a rare brain disorder known as lissencephaly.

Her family are hoping to buy a bike with a specially adapted wheelchair attached, which will give her more freedom.

Sian, who has two other children Chad, 17, and Kasha, 15, has asked that parents to leave young children at home for the event on Saturday which starts at 7.30pm.
Call Sian on 01244 814552 for more information.