Charity funding raised in memory of Lulu Covey who was "loved so much"

Lulu's Spice Nite was held in memory of Louiza Covey, who died in a head-on collision on the A37 at Grimstone last year. The event raised around £7,000 for road safety charity Brake and The Wormwood Scrubs Horse and Pony Centre.

The two charities are the first to benefit from the Lulu Covey Horse Fund, set up by Martin and Philippa Clunes and daughter Emily to honour the woman who was their groom for three years.

Lulu's mum Glenys Marsh and step dad Dave, are already planning ahead to next year's event after the successful first memorial event at Salway Ash Village Hall was celebrated by more than 200 people.

Glenys said: "It was just fantastic. We raised £7,000 even though we were only expecting to raise £2,000 at the most.

IN MEMORY: Lulu Covey

"It is not all about raising money, but it's fantastic to help out these causes."

She added: "We are hoping to do live music next year, a bit like a mini festival. Everybody had a wonderful time this year.

"The weather was perfect and it really was a lovely evening. We even had a cocktail named after Lulu. We are already looking ahead to next year."

Glenys is saying thank you to the "dozens of people who helped make it all possible".

"I would like to say a big thanks to family and friends who donated 70 prizes, Dave Hawkins from Bridport Tyres, Jo Forsey, Newlands Holiday Park and Numatic International.

"Creeds printers supplied all the raffle tickets, and we were able to use Salway Ash Village Hall free of charge. Thanks also go to Jo Hayter, Lisa Willment, Vicky Brown, Andy Burke, Holly and Paul Chiverton, Rice and Spice and local businesses who were so kind."

Gary Burnett won the silent auction, a walk-on part in Doc Martin - and prizes were announced by Martin Clunes.

Glenys is pleased the event paid a fitting tribute to her daughter.

She added: "It was amazing to be honest.

"People were there who we had not seen for 20 years, including a lot of family members who came down from Hull. We also had a memory tree.

"I must admit it was very hard at times and it was just lovely to know she was loved so much. She never said anything bad about anybody.

"The main thing for me is to carry on doing this and keep Lulu's name going. I just do not want people to forget her."

Next year, money from the event will go towards Bransby Horses and Road Peace.