THE Mead family will donate three benches to three Frome schools, in memory of Lauren Mead, who died suddenly in her sleep last year at the age of 19.
The family have raised £1,200 and are planning to donate the benches to Hayesdown School, Selwood Academy and Frome College this week, to mark the first anniversary of Lauren’s death.
Lauren’s dance school, Danceworks, will also receive a donation of £500 from the family towards their memorial plans.
Lauren’s father, Adrian Mead – who prefers to be known as Paddy – told Frome Times that the family were “overwhelmed” by the response to their memorial fundraiser.
“The money for the memorial was raised by family and friends via a social media crowdfunding page. We raised £1,200 and initially only needed £600 – hence we can do something as well at Danceworks,” explained Paddy.
The family have also been busy this year raising money for SADS UK, a charity that aims to prevent loss of life from sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS), by highlighting cardiac risk in the young through to middle aged; and also funding life-saving equipment and research into SADS.
Paddy was due to take part in this year’s London Marathon, but due to Covid-19, the event has been postponed until 2021. So far he has raised over £3,500 for the charity.
Lauren’s brother, Patrick Mead, shaved off all his hair earlier this year, raising around £1,500 for the charity.
Speaking about his daughter earlier this year, Paddy said, “Our beautiful Lauren died in her sleep on October 13th 2019, she was just 19 years old. Her heart stopped. Lauren was studying for her A-levels and had a very bright future ahead of her.
“Lauren was kind and caring and her infectious personality had a massive impact on everyone that knew her. Her passing has left a gaping hole in the hearts of her family and friends.”
