Family and friends of a beautiful young Shrewsbury mother, who died after a road smash in the town, are organising a charity ball to celebrate her life.
Half the money raised will go to the intensive therapy unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital where Jodie Kirkham spent her final days.
And the remainder will support her brave son Callum, who at just two-and-a-half years old is facing the tragic prospect of life without his mum.
Jodie’s last words as she lay in bed on life support were: “Take care of Callum.”
And her family are determined to ensure they do just that, perhaps taking him on a trip to Lapland for Christmas.
Hairdresser Jodie, 24, suffered severe brain injuries when the MG car in which she was a passenger left Hubert Way, Herongate, and crashed into trees early on March 30. She died in hospital on April 7 after her family maintained a constant bedside vigil.
Her mother Ann Kirkham said: “Jodie could say the odd word or squeeze your hand. She thanked the doctors and nurses, told us she loved us and asked her to take care of Callum.”
Mr and Mrs Kirkham, aged 48 and 49 respectively, are looking after their grandson at their house in Brookfield, Bayston Hill, a few doors away from Jodie’s home, along with their daughter Stacey, 23, who is in the RAF.
“Callum does miss his mum and asks for her all the time, but he’s happy and settled,” Mrs Kirkham said.
Jodie’s parents are supported in this by their lorry driver son Craig Kirkham, 26, and wife Nicky, 27, of Meadow Brook, Bayston Hill.
Craig said blonde-haired Jodie, who went to Meole Brace School, worked at the SY1 and SY2 salons where she was hugely popular with customers and colleagues.
“Jodie always had a beautiful smile, loved going out and doted on Callum.
“We wanted to do something to help Callum and to say thank you to the fantastic staff at the hospital.”
The ball will be at the Lord Hill Hotel from 7.30pm on November 6, with a release of balloons at the stroke of midnight to mark what would have been Jodie’s 25th birthday.
Tickets are £20 each and the family are appealing for donations for a charity auction.
For information, phone Craig and Nicky on 01743 874889 or 07779 458684, SY1 on 01743 233410 or SY2 on 01743 355534.