Special tribute to tragic tot
Reporter: Anna Clarke
Date published: 01 November 2012
Family of blast victim launches special fund
THE family of tragic Jamie Heaton has launched a fundraising drive to buy play equipment for the park in which he took his first steps.
Friends and family of two-year-old Jamie, who died in the Shaw gas blast in June, took to Bullcote Park, heyside for a tree-planting ceremony before launching the fundraising project in his name.
Childrem — including Jamie’s sister Jodie (5) and cousins — helped plant an oak tree and daffodil bulbs close to where the Heaton family lived when Jamie was born.
And as they planted the memorial, they launched a campaign to raise at least £50,000 to buy new play equipment for the park.
Mum Michelle Heaton, said: “Jamie took his first steps here so it is a place that means a lot to us. We used to live close to here. I’m over the moon that everyone has come today to help with the planting.
“Now, the first part of our fundraising is to get play equipment; something lots of children can enjoy.”
The project — called “Jamie’s Special Place” — will include play equipment for older children.
The family is also hoping to have a bench installed, as well as references to the things Jamie loved.
Michelle’s aunt Sylvia Robinson said: “The council has said it will help us get everything installed so we just need to raise the money. We hope once we start fundraising properly, people will dig deep.”
Several events are being planned, including a skydive by Jamie’s dad, Kenny.
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