Evelyn Street Primary School reunion in memory of loving mum

Claire Young, who schoolfriends will know as Claire Thompson, tragically died in February last year aged only 42, after being given the devastating news that she had incurable stage four bowel cancer.

The mum-of-two, who grew up in Sankey Bridges, was misdiagnosed with a food intolerance for two years, despite fears that she had the tell-tale signs of cancer.

She left behind husband Bobby, sons Bobby Jr and Ollie, and sister Jo Gill.

The reunion of former classmates at Evelyn Street Primary School will see the showing of a school play from 1989, with former pupils from the years 1989, 1990 and 1991 welcome.

“When Claire was poorly, I put a message on social media asking if anyone had a copy of the school play we were both in,” explained Jo, who runs Pampa Hair and Beauty salon in Winwick.

“It was The Wizard of Oz, and I was hoping to surprise her with it on her birthday.

Claire Young with her sister Jo Gill

“Her best friend from primary school got back to me with it, and although Claire was sadly too poorly to watch it, she asked that I made sure our boys watched it.

“After mentioning it to a few old friends, I said it would be good to all get together and watch it, which gave me the idea of a school reunion in memory of Claire, and to help raise more money for the charity Bowel Cancer UK.

“Claire had a lead part in the play as the sorcerer, and her best friend Danielle was Dorothy. I did not have much of a glamorous part as a munchkin though.”

Joanne set up a Facebook group called Evelyn Street Primary Return to Oz and has booked a room at Grange Sports and Social Club in Latchford for the reunion on Saturday, April 30, at 7pm.

As well as showing the play on the big screen, there will be a tombola with brilliant prizes, as well as a quiz based on memories and facts around school years.

Rob Smooth, a regular DJ at Mr Smiths and The World nightclub back in the day who does Reminisce Festival each year, will be playing club classics on the night also.

The reunion will show footage of the Wizzard of Oz school play

Families, parents and children are all welcome, with tickets costing £5. These can be bought by calling or texting Jo on 07834584441, as well as on the door.

“All money from ticket sales and on-the-night activities will go towards Bowel Cancer UK to help with its Never to Young campaign,” Jo continued.

“Claire was very passionate about this, and we all got involved to help build awareness around misdiagnosis of bowel cancer in young people.

“I am hoping this will be a fabulous night and something different, and it would be amazing if any of the teachers from our years at Evelyn Street would be able to make it.

“They put their heart and soul into the play, which we all have amazing memories of to this day.”

Following Claire’s death, family and friends organised a sponsored walk from her Manley home to Delamere Forest, which raised more than £18,000 for Bowel Cancer UK.

Claire Young sadly died following a battle with bowel cancer

Jo says work is underway for another walk this year, with it is hoped will be just as successful as last time, if not more.

“We are in the process of organising the sponsored, five-mile walk again for this June,” she added.

“After such a brilliant turn out last year and everyone asking if we are doing it again, we are signing up with the charity again.

“We raised just under £20,000 last year with donations after Claire passed away plus the walk, and we are hoping this year will be even bigger, with more stalls and activities.”

To keep up to date with this, keep an eye on the Miles for Claire Facebook group or contact Jo on the above number.

Anyone that can help with donations towards the raffle and stalls should also call Jo.