TWO Derby mums whose sons died tragically when they were just five and six years old are staging a free outdoor Christmas concert in their memories.
Five-year-old son Sam Liew, of Mickleover, died in 2021 following a series of catastrophic seizures brought on by Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) – a condition so rare it affects just one in a million people.
While six-year-old Zach Mughal-Martin, from Stenson Fields, died in 2019 from an infection, just seven days after being given the all-clear from leukaemia.
Their mums Rachel Liew and Nabila Mughal-Martin have supported each other through their grief and have decided to arrange the festive event in Mickleover in memory of their boys.
Profits from the concert, which is being staged on Sunday, will be shared between the sensory gardens created in Sam and Zach’s names at their respective schools – Silverhill and Stenson Fields primaries.
The event, which starts at 5pm, is being held at Vicarage Park and will feature music from Ashbourne Town Band, with vocals from Keira Parker and a short low noise firework display at the end.
There will also be festive stalls, tombolas and raffles, hot food and drinks as well as a Sam and Zach Memory Walk with Urban Bushcraft.
The concert follows a similar event staged in 2021 by Rachel, who runs a charity called Sam’s Superheroes, which funds activities for children in her son’s name.
She said: “This year’s event is in memory of two very special little boys who we very much hope are playing together somewhere; that thought brings us both some comfort and although they didn’t know each other they had a lot of similar qualities.
“We have planned a really beautiful celebration of their lives which we hope will bring joy to children of a similar age to Sam and Zach – we know this event would be something they would have absolutely loved.
“There will be Christmas carols and festive songs, some surprise superhero and Frozen guests and lots of fun and games for all the family.”
Among the businesses supporting the event are main sponsor The Orange Tree Day Nursery, which Sam attended, Merica Wood Fired Pizza, Kool Kata Street Food, Illuminate Sound and Lighting and Our Mickleover.
Visitors are urged to arrive early as numbers are limited and to walk to the event if possible as the car park is being used for the concert.
Guests should wrap up warmly, wear suitable footwear for walking on the grass and bring a lantern or torch.
