St Ives teenager sets up charity meal for child she barely knows

IT’S not every day a 19-year-old woman decides to hold a charity dinner for a child she barely knows ... but Bridie Marshall has done just that.

Bridie, of Moorland Way, St Ives, has set up the event at the Ferry Boat, Holywell, next month for the charity Little Heroes, which Colin Nesbitt set up for sick children after his own grandson was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer weeks before his second birthday.

When Colin’s grandson Reece Randle, who lives in Bradford, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has a separate condition of Philadelphia syndrome, he was given a one per cent chance to survive.

His treatment included eight radiation sessions and eight general anaesthetics in just five days, which left his body badly burned and blistered.

Four years later, Reece is in remission and Colin has set up Little Heroes – a charity for children with cancer that makes their hospital stays more comfortable.

After a chance meeting between Colin and Bridie at a fire walking event at the Seven Wives pub, St Ives, Bridie, who is a senior account manager for a St Ives telecommunications firm, decided to arrange next month’s party.

“I just wanted to do something for Colin after I met him,” she said.

“I just don’t how Colin copes being Reece’s full-time carer and has time for the charity as well. It’s incredible.

“And to hear that Reece is still alive and doing well is fantastic.”

Colin told The Hunts Post: “Not many 19-year-olds get up and do something, but Bridie has and deserves an award for it – it’s amazing what she is doing.”

INFORMATION: Tickets are �36.50 for three-course meal, including a glass of wine and Champagne. There will also be entertainment and an auction. To book your tickets visit www.serenityevents.moonfruit.com