‘I was planning on holding a carol service this year – we haven’t for many years as a parish,’ said Luke O’Donnell, director of music at the Catholic Church in the island, who is organising the event.
‘And I heard about the MRF from a colleague. It transpired that two mums I work with both lost their teenage sons to meningitis over here, a few years ago – unbeknown to each other, or me. I decided, with my choir at the church, that we’d support this charity, and raise awareness for this cruel disease that still kills.’
The hour-long service will be held this Thursday at 7pm at St Joseph’s in St Peter Port, and all are welcome. Along with mulled wine and mince pies, the two mothers – Samantha Gray and Elaine Le Page – will be sharing their stories in memory of their sons, Joseph and Kieran. They will also be selling homemade Christmas decorations in aid of the charity.
‘Following the death of my son eight years ago to meningococcal septicemia, I found myself searching for answers,’ said Mrs Le Page.
‘I found the Meningitis Research Foundation online and there’s a lot of information that explains clearly about the different strains of meningitis and stories from both survivors and those who had lost someone. Suddenly, this rarely discussed disease felt more tangible and there were people who would understand,’ said Mrs Le Page.
She phoned the charity helpline, and said she was inspired by the support she received to give back. She now raises donations in lieu of gifts and held her first charity Christmas event this year, selling hand-crafted wooden items.
Her son Kieran had just qualified as a carpenter before he died.
‘While I find it so hard to share my story and my grief, I, like Sam, want to raise awareness of the symptoms of this disease and highlight the work of the charity that supported me.
‘There isn’t a local meningitis charity, but MRF have always supported me as an islander – so I see it as an island resource which I’m happy to promote.’
Mr O’Donnell said he hopes their poignant testimonies will add perspective this festive season.
‘Everything is disposable nowadays, but life never is,’ said Mr O’Donnell.
‘Life is precious and should be cherished from natural beginning to natural end, and memories live on. Life is sacred. We hope this service will bring a sense of peace and calm.
'The world is busy, everyone is frantically preparing for Christmas – family time. Amid the busyness, I’d encourage anyone who loves Christmas or whatever faith background to come and rest a while in the peaceful calm of St Joseph’s and listen to the true story of Christmas unfold in words and music.’
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