Remembering tragic two-year-old as family and pub raises cash to help sick children

The Black Bull pub at Old Shotton, Peterlee, held a fundraiser with children’s activities and live music on the night in memory of Mia Goodlad, who loved the pub and particularly its chicken nuggets.

It was a big success raising £2,086 for the childhood cancer charity CLIC Sargent who were a tower of strength to Mia and her mum Kelly Goodlad during her illness.

Mia was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer, last December and had to have her left eye removed.

She had three months of chemotherapy and rang the all clear bell in the hospital in March.

But in July, Mia suffered a seizure and was rushed into hospital when it was discovered she had two tumours and cancer on her brain.

Tragically, she died just five days later.

Throughout Mia’s illness, she, Kelly and her other daughter Madison Rochester, 13, were helped financially and emotionally by CLIC Sargent.

Kelly said: “Whatever you needed they were there. Like a magic wand they sorted it out.

“From little things like going into town and bringing you pyjamas and toiletries, to somewhere to stay for the night so you didn’t have to leave the hospital.”

To thank them, The Black Bull threw a children’s disco with Shetland pony rides and hosted six bands and held a huge prize raffle.

Kelly, 35, from Peterlee, added: “It was a brilliant event for the whole family and was nice to be able to do something in Mia’s memory.

“Things have been really bad for us. But you just have to embrace life, look on the positive side and take each day as it comes.”

Laurence Mason, team coach at The Black Bull, added: “We had a massive turnout and it was really successful.

“It raised £2,086 and more is coming in. Builder’s Warehouse in Shotton are raffling a luxury hamper to be drawn on the 20th December.”

Kelly and Madison presented the money raised to Dee Tyler from CLIC Sargent.