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Maidstone party to remember Hildenborough 23-year-old who lost her battle with cystic fibrosis

A fundraising quiz night organised in memory of a young woman who lost her fight with cystic fibrosis on Boxing Day raised £1,700.

Natasha Lowther was just three months old when she was diagnosed with the illness in 1993, but never let it hold her back.

Born in Manchester, Miss Lowther moved to Kent when she was eight.

Natasha Lowther was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just three-months-old in 1993, and sadly lost her battle with the condition on Boxing Day 2016.
Natasha Lowther was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just three-months-old in 1993, and sadly lost her battle with the condition on Boxing Day 2016.

She had spent a lot of time in her childhood receiving care at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, and transferred to Lewisham Hospital when her family made the move down south to Hildenborough.

Despite her often debilitating illness, Miss Lowther was known for taking everything in her stride and not letting her condition get in the way of her life.

She went to Stock Green Primary School and later Hillview School for Girls, discovering a talent for art and photography, which she took at A-level at West Kent College in Tonbridge.

Tash with her beloved dog Bailey
Tash with her beloved dog Bailey

Her mother Wendy Lowthersaid: “Tash never let herself slow down and lived a life of happiness, smiles and love, leaving a wake of laughter wherever she went.

“She will continue to shine through everyone she met in her own little infectious way.

“Never would Tash have wanted us to mope around. Instead she would want us to reminisce and smile over cheerful times.”

Miss Lowther died on Boxing Day last year, aged 23.

Friends and family got together to stage a fundraiser in her honour, supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at MuMu in Maidstone’s Week Street on Saturday, March 11.

Grant Maxwell, Abbie Lowther, Jake Orme, Wendy Lowther, Guy Orme and Nicole Hollier.
Grant Maxwell, Abbie Lowther, Jake Orme, Wendy Lowther, Guy Orme and Nicole Hollier.

There was a charity quiz, won by Tash's family, who received a box of cupcakes prepared by Alison Dockree from Glitter'N'Ice. The quiz was presented by Wayne Barrow.

Organiser Nicole Hollier said: “People have been so kind with donations and this was quite a big achievement for the charity. I’m so happy people had a nice time and I’m thrilled with the money we have raised.”

Miss Hollier also thanked the staff at MuMu for letting her use the venue and for their hospitality, as well as everyone who donated prizes to the raffle, and came along to the event to donate.

Raffle prizes were donated by Kingswood Caravans, Bill's Restaurant, Leon Restaurant's co-founder John Vincent, Tesco Grove Green, Bearsted Co-op, Fellow Flower in Aylesford, Caffe Nero, Amazon Hairdressers in Bearsted, Tiger, AJ Brown, Sprinkled Magic, Claire Orme, Crystal Couture Gifts, and Moonlight Drive-in Cinema. Tash's brother, Jake Orme, also donated an awesome prize of a day at The Oval.

Miss Hollier also thanked Ann Bailey from Designer Touch Curtains in Bearsted, who designed a custom-made cushion which was presented to Tash's mother, Wendy.

Albion Printers in Bearsted printed the table cards, posters, and questions for the quiz, and Chilli Jam Factory supplied the buffet. Ian Jones took photos of the event for Tash's family and friends to treasure in her memory.

Finally, Harlequin fancy dress and party store in Maidstone filled the balloons with helium and donated yellow plates and napkins to match the theme, which was the colours of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

To donate, go here.

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