A MOTHER who set-up a hospice in memory of her son will hold a special event to mark 15 years since it was founded.

Denise Whiffin, of Witham-based J's Hospice, will host a secret garden ball at the Lion House, in Boreham, next weekend to raise money for the charity.

She began the hospice after her son, Jonathan, died in 2002 at the age of 18 after being diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

His family were told he had the genetic disorder, which causes the muscles to weaken and degenerate,when he was just three-years-old.

Mrs Whiffin said: "As a family we were constantly doing things together and making memories.

"His condition didn’t stop us, it just meant that we had to be more organised.

"Jonathan abseiled in a wheelchair, went canoeing and also tried ice skating on a specialist board."

A year after his death, Denise had the idea of setting-up a hospice for young adults in his memory.

She said: "Remembering Jonathan, I found myself asking how I could make this better for other people.

"I had experience of looking after my son 24/7 with some support at home and could see the need for specific age-appropriate hospice care for young adults.

"I spoke to the minister from my church about setting up a hospice for young adults and he gave me his support, then five of my friends said that they would help and the hospice grew from there.

"Sometimes it has been a struggle but when you see the end result it has all been worth it.

"I am chuffed to bits and I know that Jonathan would be too."

Tickets for the event on Saturday, September 22, cost £50 per person and include a welcome drink, three course meal and half a bottle of wine.

Doors open at 6.30pm and there will be an auction, raffle and dancing before the evening closes at midnight.

To buy tickets email zoe.butler@thejshospice.org.uk or call 01245 475474.

Visit www.thejshospice.org.uk.