Ernie’s Angels’ first event is a successs

ERNIE’S Angels first event was a great success.

Serious business this fundraising. Left to right Clare Backlund-Leale (Ernie’s mum), Katie Tall and Jodie Knight find something to laugh about while on the cake stand. (Pictures by Charlotte Le Marquand, 25027562)

The charity held a tea party at Guernsey Rovers AC yesterday.

Zoe Gosling, a member of the Ernie’s Angels committee, was godmother to Ernie Backlund-Leale, the 12-year-old whose death from leukaemia in September 2017 led to the charity’s foundation.

‘It is our first major solo fundraiser and it’s all about fun for the family,’ she said.

‘I think the weather’s been kind so far and it’s been really well supported.’

Two-year-old Reg Gosling looks at home behind the wheel of a fire engine with mum, and Ernie’s Angels committee member, Zoe keeping a close eye. (25027533)

Ernie was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012. The charity was set up in his name when his loved ones had an opportunity to create a cheese – Ernie’s (Im)mature Cheddar.

They could either raise money for an existing charity or set up their own, which they did.

Attractions for the day included a police motor bike brought by PC Andy Bell, who rode the bike at Ernie’s funeral.

‘It’s a great event for Ernie’s Angels. I met him when he wanted to come and sit on a motorbike, we took him for a tour and he rode on the bike and sat in the chief’s chair.

‘We try as a force to support and do what we can,’ he said.

PC Bell was not the only one giving up time for the cause.

Writer Jen Guezo, left, pen name Jenny O’Brien, and artist Sharmane Dodd. Ms O’Brien has dedicated a book to Ernie’s Angels and Ms Dodd drew the children’s colouring competition picture. Both knew Ernie.(25027537)

Artist Sharmane Dodd drew the colouring competition picture and author Jen Guezo donated a book to the charity, Granny Goes AWOL in Guernsey.

‘I knew Ernie as a family friend and have always been close. Me and Ernie did a couple of art projects together and he always liked my artwork, he’s still encouraging my art even though he’s not here,’ she said.

Ms Guezo said Ernie was in the same class as her twin sons.

‘I’d known Ernie since he was two. When we heard the news the twins were devastated, I’m a writer and I decided to dedicate one of my books.

‘He was a special boy,’ she said.

Ernie’s mum, Clare Backlund-Leale, said it was going well.

‘People are enjoying the day and a big thank you to everyone who has supported us, donated cakes and come out today,’ she said.

Ernie’s Angels aims to provide financial assistance via a grant for local families to assist with palliative and funeral expenses of children within the bailiwick.