Dorset concert in memory of little Esmee

Esmee Godwin was two when she died in March 2007 after catching chickenpox and developing double pneumonia and infections on a shattered immune system.

Inspired by their daughter’s battle against illness, parents Chris and Gill Godwin, of Godmanstone, near Dorchester, launched a fund in her name to buy equipment for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Southampton General Hospital.

The fund is set to get a boost after Esmee’s godmother Debbie Nickless organised a concert.

She has lined up Yeovil rock band Storm to play at the New Digby Hall in Sherborne on Saturday May 2. Debbie is married to Anthony who is Chris Godwin’s best friend. They were Esmee’s godparents during her short life and are godparents to the Godwins’ other daughter Alisha, two.

Mother-of-two Debbie, 45, who works as an accounts manager and lives at Hazelbury Bryan, said: “I was so moved by how wonderful Chris and Gill have been. After everything they went through, they have acted so selflessly campaigning to get more funds for the paediatric unit where Esmee received treatment so that other parents and children will benefit.”

Debbie’s husband Anthony will be joining Chris and others for the Three Peaks Challenge in June to support the fund, which has a target of £30,000.

Debbie said she still had 200 tickets left to sell for the concert and hopes people will support it.

She said: “Storm are a fantastic rock covers band guaranteed to get everyone up dancing.”

She described Esmee as a ‘very special girl,’ adding: “It was so tragic, especially because Esmee was suddenly taken ill.

“The unit we are raising money for in Southampton is often the port of call for Dorset children with serious illness and has cared for many local children over the years, including Esmee.”

Tickets for the concert are £10 which includes a bread and cheese buffet, the cheese donated by Wyke Farm at Bruton. There will also be a raffle. For tickets call Debbie on 01258 817122.