LITTLE Ashton Clarke’s life was cut far too short by a cruel illness but his family is trying their best to bring some good from their heartache.
Ashton died aged just three in 2015 after suffering from a brain tumour. He had been a happy and healthy toddler until he began suffering headaches just a few months before his death.
With the help of the community especially in Grimethorpe his family have raised thousands for charity in his name, and now plan to host a special Santa’s Grotto event next month will raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Ashton’s grandma Diane Cox, 52, of Matlock Road, Athersley South, said: “Every year we’ve said we want to do something in his name, and this year we’re having a Santa’s Grotto.
“Clever Tots at Grimethorpe has said we can have a room for free. We’re selling tickets for £5, and all the children will get a little present, probably a selection box, and there’ll be face painting, cakes and drinks.
“We’ve sold 75 tickets already. All the money we raise is going to Brain Tumour Research.”
Ashton’s mum Ashley Asquith had been told she was an ‘overprotective mother’ when she first started taking him to doctors, but in January 2015 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and he died in May.
“He wasn’t poorly for very long,’ said Diane. “Even though we knew it was going to happen, it still felt like he’d been snatched away from us.
“We decided we should do something in his memory, so every year that’s what we’ll try and do.
“Last year we sold cream teas and raised more than £800, so this year we’re hoping to raise even more and get even more people involved.”
The Santa’s Grotto event is on Saturday December 16 from 10am to 2pm at Clever Tots, the Acorn Centre, Grimethorpe. To buy a ticket, send a message to Diane Cox on Facebook.
