Brewing up in memory of popular teen Jemma

Diane Roberts held a coffee morning yesterday, which was the third anniversary of the death of 13-year-old Jemma-Louise Roberts.

So many cakes were baked and donated to the fund-raiser that it become an all-day event.

Mrs Roberts suggested holding the coffee morning at The Hair, Beauty And Laser Company, in New Springs, where she and Jemma-Louise went to have their hair and nails done.

She said: “Jemma always used to say when she left school she would work there and I have known the owner for a long time.

“I asked if they would be happy to do a coffee morning and she was happy to do it.”

Staff at the salon and Mrs Roberts’ friends baked cakes to sell and others were donated by businesses.

The event proved to be popular, with people popping into the salon just to have a cuppa and slice of cake.

Around £160 had been raised by lunchtime, with more funds collected in the afternoon.

The coffee morning was held in aid of UK Sepsis Trust and coincided with the launch of the week-long campaign Great Big Sepsis Trust Coffee Morning 2017.

Jemma-Louise, a pupil at Standish High School, died on March 1, 2014 from the blood infection.

Her friends and family have been raising money and awareness of the condition ever since.

Mrs Roberts, who lives in Whelley, said: “The UK Sepsis Trust do this coffee morning every year from March 1 to 8, which landed perfectly.

“I think it’s something we probably will do every year, either on or close to Jemma’s anniversary.”

The coffee morning was one of several fund-raisers being held to remember Jemma-Louise.

Wigan Council staff will hold their own coffee morning today, which Mrs Roberts will attend.

Her dad Tony had planned to tackle Velcocity, the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world, at Zip World in Wales on Sunday, which was National Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Awareness Day.

But strong winds meant it had to be postponed until later this month.

Inspired by Jemma-Louise’s love of music, a concert will be held at 7.30pm tomorrow at the Old Courts, in Wigan town centre.

There will be 12 performers, including X Factor contestant Olivia Garcia, who lives in Orrell.

Tickets are still available, costing £8.50 in advance or £10 on the door.

They are on sale from the Old Courts or online at jemma-louise-roberts.eventzilla.net