Music festival in memory of Georgia to help buy minibus

Tracey Thorne, of Pinetops, lost her daughter, Georgia Barnes, to epilepsy in January 2012. The 16-year-old died asleep from a severe seizure.

At Georgia’s Music Festival on Saturday July 12 there will be eight bands and music groups playing, a raffle and children’s entertainment. Eight lucky people will win the chance to ride in a helicopter.

All the money raised at the event at Mallards House, Sayers Common, will go towards buying a £46,000 minibus for the Queen Elizabeth II School for children with severe disabilities. It was where Georgia went for 13 years of her life.

Georgia developed encephalitis aged nine months leaving her with brain damage and causing epilepsy.

Tracey said: “She couldn’t communicate in speech, but did in her own way. She was nice to people , kind natured. Everyone who came into contact with her adored her.

“We did everything with her. She had a fulfilled life. It was really unexpected.

“She would have a seizure now and again, but I didn’t for one minutes think she would die from it.”

Many have been inspired by Georgia’s story.

Mannings Heath Golf Club’s golf day raised £7,000.

At the festival, Tracey’s daughter Carly and her niece, Fran, will be having their heads shaved. They have already raised about £10,000 between them, including £8,000 from an anonymous donor.

Earlier this year Tracey also organised a ball at Cisswood House Hotel and a school gala concert at the Capitol Theatre, which have raised more than £8,500.

Tracey added: “It’s been great and the amount of people that have supported it is amazing. We’ll get that bus and I’ll see it transport the pupils around Horsham.”

The festival will run from 4pm to 11pm. Tickets are priced at £25 for a family of four, £10 for adults and £5 for children. People can buy them from the school in Comptons Lane, Horsham, or on the day. Call the school on 01403 266215 to book.