A mother of two from Abbots Langley said "something must have been looking down" favourably on them as the sun shone for a family fun day to raise money for charity on Saturday. 

Sian Turnbull, 30, organised the event at Evergreen Football, South Way, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of her son, Jay, being diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis.

The money raised will go towards Meningitis Now and so far, the event has raised more than £2,000.

Jay was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis at 16-months-old and is now brain damaged, blind, and requires help with all daily tasks.  

Sian, of Manor House Gardens, said: "I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came down, donated or helped sort things out.

"Quite a few of my friends have been fantastic and supported me all the way through, and my mum, she has been helping me care for the boys. Without all of them, I would not have been able to get as far as I have.

"There are not enough ways to say thank you. It was not just a fun day, it was about my son and the last ten years.

"Earlier in the morning, when I saw the rain, I was hyperventilating. I was thinking ‘oh my god’ no, all the work we have put in in the past few months will be a washout. But something must have been looking down on us that day."

The event opened at 1pm and went on into the evening. Children were able to enjoy a range of activities, including stalls, bouncy castles, soft play areas and face painting.

Throughout the evening, there were a number of activities, including dance groups, music groups and refreshments.

Children’s entertainers were also on site throughout the day and children had the chance to have their photo taken with Mickey Mouse.

Sian, who cares for Jay and his 19-month-old brother Leo full time, told the Watford Observer that it took a while for the day to sink in.  

She said: "It went so fast. It was manic all day. 

"Yesterday, I was quite emotional. I think it all started to sink in and I was so tired.

"It was my way to deal with this ten year anniversary and do something positive rather than be miserable."

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