Couple say ‘I Do’ to Youth Memorial fundraising

SIAN Morcom and Gary Atack from Thame, decided to forego the ‘toaster and towels’ wedding list for their nuptials on July 4.

Thame Youth Memorial – Photo by Peter Butt

The couple decided instead to support Thame Youth Memorial, having been touched in the past by the loss of youngsters already remembered in the memorial band of the garden and, following the recent death of 18 year old Megan Biddle.

Having seen how the garden was used by Megan’s friends and family in the days and weeks after her death, Mr & Mrs Atack felt it was a simple decision to support Thame Youth Memorial Trust, the Charity responsible for the site.

Gary explained: “The loss of a young person affects many people beyond a family. Megan’s friends lit tealights every evening for her in the shape of an ‘M’ and placed dozens of items which reminded them of her – this brought home what a special place this was, serving a clear need for a safe space to grieve.”

Thanks to the generosity of Sian and Gary’s friends and family, donations of £1100 have now been presented to the Trust and Trustee David Hunt accepted the donations of behalf of the Trust saying: “Showing such kindness and generosity as part of their Wedding celebrations touched us all; it’s such a personal choice to recognise the value of Thame Youth Memorial and how it helps those affected express their feelings at the hardest of times.”

Thame Youth Memorial Trust is a Registered Charity dedicated to providing and maintaining a place of reflection for people in Thame and the surrounding villages who are affected by the loss of a young person. Found in the Upper High Street of Thame, Thame Youth Memorial opened in September 2013.