Simon Read Foundation holds charity fun day in Boscombe

Simon Read had multiple sclerosis and died suddenly aged 54 after a fall two years ago. 

His sister Donna Wilkins and wife Caroline have set up a charity in his name, The Simon Read Foundation, with an event taking place at Freemason’s Hall in Knole Road, Boscombe from 2pm on Saturday, October 29. 

Donna, who set up the charity along with Simon’s wife, said: “He used to own a tattoo shop in Boscombe, so a lot of people knew him. He was quite well known and people loved him. 

Simon Read at Disney. Image by The Simon Read Foundation (Image: Simon Read Foundation)

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“But he had a massive love for Disney and enjoying life; his mantra used to be ‘live a little’, and that is our slogan for our charity. 

“As you can imagine, we were all a bit sad and shocked by it. We tried to support his wife Caroline because they had been married 25 years.  

“We went out for a meal one day and she said to us ‘my greatest fear is after a while, no one will say his name anymore.’ 

“So then we decided to make a charity and call it the Simon Read charity. 

“I've got two grandchildren who are seriously ill and then one of them had a Make a Wish and one of them had a Starlight Wish, wo we decided to make a charity for children in the local area.” 

The charity was set up to help children with illnesses, disabilities or financial difficulties have exciting holidays, day trips and needed respite. 

Simon Read (Image: Simon Read Foundation)

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At the event, held on Saturday, October 29, there will be entertainers, a disco, face painting and food. Cheslea Football Club has also donated a signed T-shirt which they will be giving away. 

Also at the event, one lucky boy will be given a trip to Disneyland Florida – a place where Simon “had to go” at least once every year. 

Paying tribute to her husband, Caroline Read said: “Simon was a big bruiser of a guy; he was a tattooist. But he was the softest, biggest kid inside. He was a real juxtaposition character, with his interest in Disney and his tattoos. 

“He taught me to live a little, we were all in his wake. He was kind, funny and always had time for people.” 

Donations can also be made to The Simon Read Foundation via a JustGiving page.