A CHARITY has been set up in the name of a rugby-loving girl from south Warwickshire.
Jessica’s Promise has launched in memory of Jessica Pardo who died from a brain tumour when she was 18-years-old.
Jessica, from Leamington, was passionate about playing rugby and football and the charity will encourage and offer support to youngsters wanting to take up a sport.
Jessica’s Promise, set up by Jessica’s mum Sarah Pardo, was officially launched with a raise of a glass at Church Farm Brewery in Budbrooke.
Sarah said: “In raising funds for Jessica’s Promise we hope to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all children and young people through encouraging children in sport. As Jessica got so much enjoyment through her sporting achievements, we thought what better way to honour Jessica’s memory.
“Jessica was a keen sports woman and loved the competition of playing in matches, the camaraderie and friendship she made playing in a team.”
Sarah decided to establish Jessica’s Promise following the success of JessFest 21 – a family festival held in Jessica’s name last summer.
The festival took place over three days at Old Leamingtonians RFC in to honour what would have been Jessica’s 21st birthday.
There was rugby, street food, live music, DJs and a drag auction as well as a raffle, with all the cash raised divided between two charities – Shine a Light support services and Evelyn’s Gift.
Sarah added that JessFest was now set to become an annual event and will raise funds for Jessica’s Promise.
The next festival is scheduled to take place on August 31.
