A FUNDRAISING event is set take place this summer in memory of a beloved member of the community.
Kelly Jackson, who was born with spina bifida, died in April 2020, with family and friends now uniting to remember her while raising money for charity.
Spina bifida is when a baby’s spine and spinal cord doesn’t develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.
Ms Jackson, who lived in Donnington, was unable to walk and spent most of her life in a wheelchair, but was unfazed by her condition.
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In July, those closest to Ms Jackson will celebrate her life during a mammoth five-a-side football tournament at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre in Blackbird Leys.
Money will be raised to support the Kelly Jackson Memorial Fund, a charity created in her name.
Committee member Barrie Evans said: “We’re trying to raise money to buy a caravan for disabled people, something to allow children and adults to use it down in Weymouth.
“We have a 14-strong committee and our aim is to buy a fully wheelchair accessible caravan in Weymouth.
“Kelly loved to holiday in Weymouth as that was her favourite place, and after many upsets, the family found a caravan which was suited in every way to Kelly’s needs.
“We are also supporting children who are suffering from life-changing illnesses, we will be helping and supporting them with days out to give families a well-earned distraction from their everyday challenges.”
Blackbird Leys resident, Mr Evans, 43, said Ms Jackson raised money throughout her life, for various good causes, including The Tebbit Centre at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Race for Life, and Children in Need.
That goodwill is at the heart of the charity football tournament.
Mr Evans explained: “It’ll definitely be a chance to celebrate Kelly’s life. If this is successful, we’ll do it annually.
“We do an annual remembrance event for Kelly, and she loved doing stuff for charity – we’re continuing that work.
“Everyone knew Kelly, she was one of those people who everyone knew.”
Mr Evans added: “We’re doing the five-a-side tournament, there’ll be a tombola, other challenges like hitting the crossbar, hot and cold food, there’ll be quite a lot of things to do in one day.
“We’re still trying to get as many players and teams as possible – we want anyone over the age of 15.”
The tournament will take place on July 23 at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.
Anyone wishing to take part should email the charity via: info@kellyjacksonmorialfund.co.uk
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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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