Friends and family of eight-year-old Vinnie Barker who died suddenly in 2012 from hydrocephalus which went unnoticed by a locum optometrist, have embarked on a series of fundraising initiatives for charity in his memory.
Vinnie’s mother Jo Barker, said the charity Shine, which provides specialist support for individuals living with spina bifida or hydrocephalus and their families, was the source of much support in the period after his death.
‘Shine helped us not only understand Vinnie’s condition but opened our eyes to a world where their support enables those living with spina bifida or hydrocephalus get the best out of life,’ she said.
‘Friends of Vinnie’ has already embarked on an array of charity events, from memorial football matches to sponsored walks. Vinnie’s sister, Amber, pictured third right with friends (left to right) Nicole, Ella, Lyla, Lauren, and Rosie, completed a ‘colourthon’ of Paris, where Vinnie’s uncle, Michael Eley, will end his sponsored bike ride from London in July.
‘Our family is continually overwhelmed by the empathy, support and generosity of friends and those who never even knew Vinnie. As a family we now want to both raise awareness of the importance of eye health care and build on the strong and meaningful foundation that Friends of Vinnie has begun,’ said Eley.
To sponsor Michael Eley or Amber Barker, visit www.justgiving.com and search Vinnie Barker.