A family from Steventon are set to top their £50,000 fundraising goal this week at the Truck Music festival.

Nicola and Gareth Keymer, both teachers, have been fundraising for Oxford Hospitals Charity in memory of their 14-year-old son, Gethin, since 2022.

Nicola explains: “Gethin and his twin brother Iestyn were born very prematurely. They  spent months in Newborn Intensive Care at the John Radcliffe and Gethin was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

“He received regular care from the Oxford Children’s Hospital and had a full and happy life, attending mainstream school, enjoying hobbies and interests and with a wonderful sense of humour.

“At the end of 2022, Gethin became very unwell and died while in Paediatric Intensive Care. It was a real shock and something none of us expected.”

Gareth adds: “It’s impossible to describe what that time was like for us – we felt very lost and lacking in purpose. But in the midst of our grief we knew we wanted to do something to thank the teams that had cared for Gethin and help families like ours get more support,  so we decided to fundraise in memory of Gethin to help make this happen.”

Family, friends and colleagues all helped the Keymers with their goal, taking part in fun runs, ultra marathons and music concerts.

And for the past three years their biggest fundraiser has been held at the annual Truck Music Festival where their samosa and chai stall has been fueling festival go-ers.

This weekend when they set up at the Feel Good Food Hall, a section of Truck festival which is dedicated to local charities, they expect to top their £50,000 target.

Gareth, who wears Gethin’s sparkly trilby hat throughout the weekend, said: “Truck Festival has an amazing way of embracing local causes.

“Because we live in Steventon Gethin knew the festival well, so there is something very special about being part of this. It’s a huge effort, with loads of people helping us on the stall to keep it running all weekend.

“We know just how much Gethin meant to so many people and the support they have shown us means so much.

“Our stall has grown every year, and we hope to keep going even when we have beaten our target. Gethin liked the atmosphere at Truck, it’s kind of like a crazy village fete, so it feels right to be here every year.”

Sarah Vaccari from Oxford Hospitals Charity added: “Gareth, Nic and their whole family have worked tirelessly to raise this incredible sum to provide extra bereavement support for those who lose a child in hospital. They have been motivated always by their love for Gethin and their desire to help other families. We cannot thank them enough.”

The stall will be open throughout Truck weekend selling crepes, samosas and chai, with all profits going to help the Oxford Children’s Hospital.