Fran Lewis' family continue their support in her memory

A mum and dad have continued their fundraising in memory of their teenage daughter by holding another successful family festival in Hereford.

Fran Lewis was just 19 when she tragically died from a clot on her lung in 2023.

She had been a huge supporter of The Little Princess Trust and donated her hair three times to help the charity make wigs for children.

Her mum Vee and dad Paul began hosting events such as bingo nights and quizzes to raise money in Fran’s name.

They also organised a family fun day of live music and sport at Westfields Football Club – and called it FranFest.

This has continued every summer and this year’s event, which featured a performance from Two Push Charlie, received support from many local businesses and raised an incredible £4,779.

It means the total Vee and Paul have now raised for The Little Princess Trust stands at £36,004.

A plaque has been placed inside the Hereford charity’s headquarters to recognise the Lewis family’s phenomenal support.

Wendy Tarplee-Morris, one of the founders of The Little Princess Trust, said: “We are all in awe of the incredible efforts from Vee and Paul.

“The fantastic sum raised means we can help so many children and young people, and is a beautiful tribute to Fran.”

Vee said the weather at this year’s FranFest was far from kind, but the help received from so many ensured the day was still a great success.

The family added that FranFest is their daughter's legacy and plans are in place to hold the event again on August 29 next year.

"Losing our beautiful Fran was utterly devastating," they said.

"Fran was a bubbly, generous and kind person.  She first donated her hair aged just 12 and was determined this would be a regular thing whenever she had enough "spare" hair.

"She donated again aged 16 and was growing it again when she sadly passed away aged 19.

"For us, it was the obvious thing to donate her hair again, and this was arranged by the tissue donation nurses at the QE Birmingham.

"This is the reason we fundraise for LPT now. It is what Fran would have wanted.

"We couldn't do what we do alone. We have an army of friends, family and businesses who donate money and time, with some carrying on the regular hair donations in Fran's honour.

"Her friends continue to run half marathons to raise funds too."