Stars turn out for variety show in memory of Corringham schoolgirl (From Brentwood Weekly News)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting BWNNEWS to 80360 or email us »
Stars turn out for variety show in memory of Corringham schoolgirl
9:00am Wednesday 27th June 2012 in Basildon news
All together – star of The Only Way Is Essex, Harry Derbridge, with youngsters who attended the fundraising show
A VARIETY show raised thousands of pounds towards a new community centre dedicated to a schoolgirl who died.
The event, in memory of Karis Darling, raked in £26,000, thanks to a bumper line-up of musical performances from youngsters and adults, a sports academy, traditional games, as well as stalls from community groups.
Harry Derbridge from reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex, Charley Bird from X Factor group 2 Shoes and Tony Roberts from Britain’s Got Talent joined thousands of visitors at Gable Hall School, in Southend Road, Corringham.
Coaches from the West Ham Academy taught budding footballers a few signature moves while fire engines, Army trucks and a police helicoper were on display in the school field.
Karis, 12, from Corringham, died in April last year, after she contracted a streptococcus A infection, which can lead to meningitis. Her family set up the Karis May Darling Foundation and plan to build a £220,000 community centre near their home, in Gardner Avenue.
Dad John said only £50,000 is needed before building work starts. He added: “We had an absolutely fantastic day and everyone loved it.
“It was great to see all the community come out. I want to thank all the volunteers involved. Without them, we would not have been able to do this. We are getting closer and closer to building the community centre, which will really help kids in the area.”
To find out more about the appeal e-mail info@karismaydarling foundation.org
