Helping hand for grieving Daniel (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Helping hand for grieving Daniel

Lyn Babage gets the barbecue going during a week of events to raise money for the son of Jacquie KentA WEEK of events has kicked off to raise money for the teenage son of murdered mum Jacquie Kent.

Landlord of the Abbey Meads pub, Lyn Babbage, wanted to do whatever he could to help 13-year-old Daniel when he heard the devastating news.

And Mr Babbage said the events will go ahead "come rain or shine".

He is hoping he will raise enough cash to send Daniel on a holiday of a lifetime to Disneyland in Florida to help take his mind off what has happened.

Bank worker Jacquie was found dead at her home in Abbey Meads on June 28, sending shockwaves through the community.

Yesterday the fundraising got under way with a barbecue and pub quiz, which attracted a supportive crowd.

Mr Babbage has only been in Swindon for about two months.

"I moved here a month before the murder happened," he said.

"Someone came into the pub and asked if I could put a collection tin on the bar but I went further and decided to hold these events to raise as much money as possible.

"I think it's important for local pubs to get involved with the community as much as possible."

Mr Babbage, 38, and his partner Carol, 43, moved to Swindon from Newport, South Wales, where they also ran a pub.

He said: "We have had fantastic support so far and I am so pleased that everyone has been backing what we are trying to do for Daniel.

"The weather is not brilliant but I've got a pavilion at the ready so the events will go ahead come rain or shine and I don't want it to put anyone off."

The main attractions of the week will be a fun day next Saturday and a charity auction next Sunday, which Mr Babbage is hoping will pull in a big crowd.

"The items we have had donated for the auction are absolutely amazing," he said.

"We have signed England shirts, a fight programme signed by Muhammad Ali, a digital camera and loads more.

"The only thing I have been a little disappointed with is the fact that local businesses have not been coming forward to donate items to auction. I thought they would have been really supportive.

"On Saturday Tesco did give us two £5 vouchers but so far no one else has."

Other attractions during the week will include a 'kara-chokey' competition in which contestants will pay to sing their heart out on stage in front of a crowd who can then pay to boot them off if they think their singing is rubbish.

And Carol will be donning her Mystic Meg hat to do palm readings.

Also helping to organise the events is Jackie Wakelam, the pub's assistant manager.

There will also be a pet show, raffle and a tug-of-war competition.

Mr Babbage, who never met Jacquie but is now in contact with her family, is hoping to raise about £5,000 from the week.

He said: "My only headache really is that I desperately need people to help with the stalls at the fun day next week.

"I am in contact with the family and they came to the pub quiz on a Sunday, which is great and they have been grateful for what we're doing."

For more information about any of the fundraising events this week or if you can help at the fun day, call Mr Babbage on 01793 726208.

Michael Wyatt, 47, of Danestone Close, Middleleaze, is accused of Jacquie's murder.

He is currently in custody pending the next hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday August 19.