They're not forgotten

Oct 2 2008 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THEY’RE NOT FORGOTTEN

A RUNCORN pub has raised cash to buy a memorial headstone for two children who were killed by their father in June.

Owen and Amy Philcox died on Father’s Day when Brian Philcox gassed himself and the children in a car in North Wales.

Sarah Hogan, manager of the Windmill pub in Windmill Hill, Runcorn, says she wanted to show support for the children’s mother, Evelyn, and older brother, Ryan.

The fundraiser lasted from noon until closing time on Saturday, with a live band and an auction in the evening.

The pub raised £2,243.26 which is expected to pay for a headstone.

Sarah said: “I decided to hold the day because I thought we should have done more for Lyn. I never knew the dad, thank God, or Amy and Owen, but we’ve got to let Lyn know that people haven’t forgotten about the children and how sad it was.

“I’ve got six kids and I’d hate to be in her shoes.

“Lyn came down at the night time. I know she appreciated what we’d done because she couldn’t thank us enough.

“It was a sad day because of what it was for, but it was also a good day.

“I want to have a remembrance day every year with a karaoke competition so she knows we haven’t forgotten about the kids.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved including staff and the community who came in and supported us. I’d like to thank Helen McGrath, Zoe Beaumont, Kath Frances, Sue Egan, William Hudson, Elaine Beaumont, Kate Bettidge, Pamela and Sarah Wilcox, and a big thank you to Les Lineker.”