The streets of Mickleover twinkled with fairy lights and lanterns when more than 500 people joined a procession and outdoor Christmas carol concert to celebrate the life of five-year-old Sam Liew, who died suddenly in March.
The festive event was organised by Sam’s Superheroes, a charity founded in memory of the Silverhill Primary School pupil who died following a short but courageous fight against a one in a million condition.
The event began with a lantern procession through the streets, which was led by Father Christmas riding pillion on the back of a Harley Davidson.
Christmas carols were provided by the Ashbourne Town Brass Band and soloist Jean Irvin who led the singing. There were stalls selling hot drinks, cakes, a craft stall, raffle and children’s lucky dip as well as a low noise firework display with Sam’s name lit up in the sky.
The carol service ended with a special rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with special lyrics including the lines “Sam you are a superstar, we send our love to where you are”.
The event was designed to be a celebration of Sam’s life and a chance for people to remember their own lost loved ones.
Sam was a perfectly healthy little boy when he developed Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome, which caused a series of catastrophic seizures, believed to be an exceptionally rare reaction to a virus like a cold.
His mum Rachel said: “We were absolutely thrilled that so many people turning out on a cold winter evening to join our event and make it extremely special – Sam would have been so pleased.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone over the past eight months, all my beautiful friends, my family, all of Sam’s friends, businesses and organisations who have helped me more than they could ever know and given me so much support.
“We had huge support from David Lewis from Our Mickleover, and Mickleover’s councillors Matthew Holmes and Miles Pattison, both before and during the event. We had not done anything else like this before, so their help, support and experience was truly invaluable. Without their support the event would not have taken place, so I’d especially like to thank them.
“And a special thank you to our soloist Jean who was good enough to step in and lead the carol singing – she was definitely our superhero. It was all about giving something back to the community, creating a nice Christmas spirit and most importantly remember my gorgeous darling little boy, who was the best little boy I could wish for.”
It is hoped that the lantern parade and Christmas carol service will become an annual event, in memory of Sam and other lost loved ones.
ENDS
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