New fund in honour of victim of inflatable art structure tragedy.

STEPS launched a new equipment fund on 1 April 2007 in memory of mother of two Claire Furmedge who was killed in an inflatable art structure at a park in County Durham.

Claire was killed on 23 July 2006 when the inflatable structure, which she was inside with her two children, broke free from its moorings. She was a dedicated supporter of STEPS and had been helping to raise funds for the charity for more than 7 years. She came in contact with STEPS when her daughter, now 8 years old, was diagnosed with a hip condition as a baby.

Says Claire's husband Gary Furmedge:

"When our daughter was diagnosed with a hip problem STEPS helped us with information and support during a very difficult and emotional time.

"I know Claire would have liked the idea of a fund which could help families like ours. She was so full of life and loved helping others. She would be honoured to have it named after her."

The Claire Furmedge Equipment Fund will provide a small grant to help towards the purchase of either a specialist car seat or a hip spica high chair up to a maximum of £115 total grant. For details of the car seat click here and for details of the chairs click here.

Families can apply for these funds via an application form available from STEPS office in Lymm, Cheshire, or simply download the form by following the link on the top right of this page.

Please help the many families in need of support with equipment to care for their child. If you would like to support this fund you can go to http://www.justgiving.com/ClaireFurmedgeEquipmentFund and make a donation.

Please help make a difference.

If you would like more information or would like to get involved please contact info@steps-charity.org.uk or call our helpline on 0871 717 0044.