22-05-2025
3,000 turn out to support charity named in memory of 11-year-old
Thousands turned out to support a charity named in memory of an 11-year-old who died of cancer.
The community day at the Great Harwood Showground aimed to raise funds for Milly's Smiles.
Lorraine Hargreaves founded Milly's Smiles after her daughter tragically passed away from leukaemia in 2015 at just 11 years old, only 10 months after being diagnosed.
The event was opened by town crier, Rawden Kerr and the new Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Josh Blayne Allen and included a special show from the Lancashire Dog Company.
Other performances included shows by Halcyon Creative Kids, Jess B Dance Fitness, Mai Tai Gym, the Imperial Alliance Stormtroopers, and a set of ukulele players
International music event production company, iMEP, provided the main marquee, stage and sound equipment, plus technical support free of charge.
Lorraine Wilson and her daughter Milly Walmsley (Image: Supplied)
Lorraine from Milly's Smiles said: "This is the first time we have had a professional sound and stage set up, and we can't thank Eddy and his team enough for their support."
Chief executive of iMEP, Eddy O'Brien said: "We were absolutely blown away by the turnout and the support on the day.
'To see so many people coming together, smiling, enjoying themselves, and supporting one another, was truly heartwarming.
'It is fantastic to be able to help everyone's day by providing equipment and support, and I hope it raised lots of money for such a brilliant cause.
"The assets we can utilise on the day are ideally suited to small events such as this through to international pop stars and musicals - we take the headache away on sound and stage production!"
Earlier this year, Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith joined Ms Hargreaves in Westminster to highlight the need for better diagnosis and support for families.
It follows the Labour backbencher speaking about Milly's Smiles in a debate about rare cancers in the House of Commons. One of the biggest concerns Ms Hargreaves raised in the meeting was how difficult it is for parents to get a diagnosis for their child.
