A family who lost two young cousins just six weeks apart have thanked the Pear Tree Fund for the “amazing” bereavement support they were given by raising £4,272 at a charity football match.
Steve and Kelly Woods suffered tragedy in 2021, when they lost Steve’s daughter Emma (20) to the genetic condition Turner Syndrome. Devastatingly, Emma’s 18-year-old cousin Abbie passed away just weeks later from a brain tumour.
Steve and Kelly were referred to the Pear Tree Centre shortly afterwards, and benefitted from counselling and support sessions. The centre also arranged for the family to enjoy a special trip away with the Broad Oak Farmhouse – Bramfield Charitable Trust, which provides respite holidays for those dealing with childhood cancer.
Keen to thank the Pear Tree Fund for its support, the Woods chose the charity to benefit from the fourth Emma Woods Memorial Trophy football match, which raises money and awareness of Turner Syndrome. This year’s event took place on Sunday (7 September) in Great Yarmouth, and was followed by a raffle, food and drinks in a local pub.
“The day was brilliant and the busiest we have held so far,” said Emma’s step-brother Lewis Thompson, who organises the game each year. “Lots of people came along to support us and there were loads of laughs along the way, which was a really nice way to remember Emma.
“Both Steve and Mum had one-to-one support from the Pear Tree Centre, and the charity also helped organise for us all to go away together. Losing Emma and Abbie was really traumatic but the support we had made such a difference – Steve and Mum are like night and day compared to how they were three or four years ago, and seeing them smile again is so nice.
“I’m always happy to organise the game and want to make sure everyone has the best time possible while raising a bit of money in Emma’s memory. Donating that money to the Pear Tree Fund is the least we can do considering the amazing support we’ve had. We hope no one else has to go through anything similar but if they do, hopefully these funds will help to make a difference to them at a difficult time.
“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us, either by playing in the game or making donations. It really means a lot to us all.”