Charity night in memory of Michelle (From Wiltshire Times)

Charity night in memory of Michelle

10:59am Monday 24th December 2007 in Melksham By Craig Evry

THE family of Michelle Phillips, who died in a car crash at the age of 26, will hold a charity night in her memory next month, which they hope will see them reach a £10,000 fundraising target.

Miss Phillips, a former George Ward School pupil from Melksham, died in a three-car accident in Devon on Good Friday, 2004.

Her family have been raising money since her death for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the total now stands at more than £9,800.

Each year they hold a fundraising bash in January to mark what would have been Miss Phillips' birthday. On January 23 she would have been 30.

Her parents John and Sandra, of Bowerhill, have announced the fundraising night will be on Friday January 18 at Melksham Assembly Hall from 7.30pm.

Entertainment will be provided by the Zig Zag Band from Chippenham, who will be playing music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as Dan and his Definitive Disco.

An envelope raffle will be held on the night with Alan Aldridge, of Devizes auction house Henry Aldridge and Son, auctioning off a host of donated lots, including a signed Bristol Rovers football, a helicopter flight, a signed Bath Rugby shirt, a balloon flight for two, a month's membership with Fieldways Health Club in Hilperton Road, Trowbridge and a unique variety of rose called Michelle's Smile.

Mrs Phillips said: "This event is open to anyone, not only people who knew Michelle, but to anyone who wants a good night out in Melksham dancing and listening to a spectacular band and all for only £7 a ticket, with all proceeds going to such a good cause."

Tickets will be available soon from Melksham Assembly Hall on (01225) 709887 or from Mr and Mrs Phillips on (01225) 702485.