Facebook reunion leads to fundraising effort for school friend's daughter

A joyful reunion with her best friend at school took an unexpectedly sad turn for Daina Martin.

Daina, who lives in Smiths Lane, Windsor, was thrilled to find Colette Jessup on Facebook - they had been inseparable as youngsters in Plymouth 30 years earlier before losing touch.

But although Colette was mum to five healthy children, she had sad news to tell Daina about her youngest daughter Loren, two, who suffers from a life limiting illness that means she can only be fed through a tube.

Doctors have been unable diagnose the condition and she has to undergo continuing treatments and medication.

Daina, 42 and her husband, antique dealer Paul Martin, 44, wanted to help. Now Daina has organised a fund raising evening at their local pub, the Waterman's Arms in Eton, on Saturday, July 20 at 6pm.

It will raise money for the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, which provides invaluable help and support for people like Colette and her partner Mark Henderson who have to care for a seriously ill child.

The couple, who live in Bristol, are launching the Loren Henderson Appeal to support the charity that has helped them so much and the Eton event will get this going.

Colette hopes to be there herself while partner Mark cares for their daughter at home.

The event will boast an auction and a raffle with music provided by the Million Dollar Bash Band and singer Lorraine.

Six people from Eton including Daina's husband Paul will also be skydiving in Salisbury on the same day to raise funds.