By Leicester Mercury | Posted 24 May, 2013
The tragedy of a father and daughter who died from cancer within weeks of each other is the driver for a charity fun day.
Sophie Roberts, from Thurmaston, was 19 when she died on September 7, 2011, from the cancer she had been battling for more than three years.
On November 8, 2011, her father, Dave, died from lung cancer at the age of 44.
Dave's cousin, Dean Roberts, also from Thurmaston, is now organising a family fun day in memory of Sophie and her father.
Dean, who has helped run a number of other fund-raising events, said: "We are a big family and it seemed a good idea to do something in memory of Dave and Sophie, especially as she would have just turned 21.
"The day is being aimed at the whole family.
"There will be good, old-fashioned children's events such as egg and spoon, three-legged and sack races with medals for winners and certificates for the children taking part.
"We are also planning a mini Grand National with six horses – pantomime horses – taking part in six races."
Former Leicester City striker Alan Young has promised to make a guest appearance during the day.
Rendall Munroe, Leicester's much-loved "boxing binman", is also lending his support.
Dean's 23-year-old son, Carl, has also written a song – Thank You For Being You – dedicated to Sophie and Dave.
It which has been recorded on a CD and is on sale to help raise money.
The family fun day, which begins at 10am on Sunday, is being held at the Garden Street park, in Thurmaston.
Attractions will include a range of stalls, hot and cold food will be on sale and there will be music from two bands as well as a performance from a steel band. In the evening the event will move to the nearby Conservative Club, in Thurmaston.
The ticket-only event will comprise live music, karaoke, a raffle and an auction.
All the money raised from the events will be split between Leicestershire hospice LOROS and the Our Space Appeal run by Leicester's hospitals to provide facilities for children, teenagers and young people being treated for cancer at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Dean, 47, who works as a lorry driver, said: "We hope it is going to be a cracking day.
"I am just a part of a small team organising this and we have delivered about 3,500 leaflets which we hoping will encourage people to come along," said Dean.
"I really don't know how much the events, the fun day and the evening event, will raise. We just want to raise as much as we can."
For more information or to buy a ticket, which is £5 for evening, call Dean Roberts on 07745 392 989.
