Appeal for help to support child-bereavement charity event

Elliot Kerslake passed away suddenly and unexpectedly aged just two and a half years old in March 2013.

Founded in 2014 by his bereaved parents Andrea and John Kerslake, Leeds based child-bereavement charity Elliot’s Footprint is working to improve the systems and processes that families face in the aftermath of losing a child.

The charity is appealing for businesses to sponsor its Red Tie Ball on May 16 at Headingley Stadium when guests will celebrate what would have been Elliot’s fifth birthday later that month.

It is also looking for auction items to add to a growing list which includes a Leeds United executive box for up to 10 people to a game and a stay in a luxury barn conversion in North Yorkshire.

Last year’s event raise over £13,500 which has enabled Elliot’s Footprint to conduct research into the experiences of families who have suddenly and unexpectedly lost a child.

The charity is asking for parents and families who are willing to talk about their experience of bereavement support to contact them.

Mrs Kerslake said: “Losing Elliot brought indescribable pain to our family. Being thrust into a system and labelled ‘bereaved parents’ is a situation that’s impossible to get used to, but it’s one that many parents do unfortunately find themselves in. We hope that through this research, Elliot’s Footprint can make a very real difference to the experience of grieving families and help them through their suffering.”

Anyone who can help can email: [email protected].