SIR,
Could I, through your paper, express my admiration and gratitude to Miss Claire Beavan for all the hard work carried out solely by Claire herself, in organising the firewalk for charity in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes on Friday 16th October at Monmouth Showground, which those attending thought such a success.
Claire had spent many weeks helping local children make lanterns and organising all aspects of the evening, while overcoming a variety of problems to make this event go ahead for the first time.
Claire, who doesn't drive, used public transport to visit and gain knowledge of how other towns put on such a display, as was witnessed by the many who attended.
This is not the first time Claire has raised money for the Army Benevolent Fund. Both Claire and her sister Sara took part in a parachute jump where they raised over £10,000 for her chosen charity; she also raises money for children in third world countries and always participates in the fundraising events of others, something she rarely speaks of.
All of this from a young woman suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Claire gives credit to spiritual healing for the ability to overcome her obstacles but surely her determination and enthusiasm for the task in hand plays no small part. She is an inspiration to all who know her.
Sylvia Collins
(Wyesham)