A year of events in memory of Leeds mum who died just days after the birth of her son

The life of Charlotte Brett will be celebrated with 12 charity events over the next year to culminate at the time of what would have been her 30th birthday.

Miss Brett, of Kirkstall, died of Lymphoma at St James’s Hospital in May last year.

She was diagnosed with the illness just days after the birth of son Thomas, now aged one.

Miss Brett’s former partner David Beck, dad of her two older children Lily-May, six, and Leo, four, has launched the 12-stage charity effort with the aim of raising £30,000.

Mr Beck, 36, said: “It’s been a tough year for the kids. Now it’s all relaxed a bit I thought I could put my mind to doing something. Over Christmas I had the idea of Twelve Nights for Charlotte. Then I thought, why not put on one event a month for a year? So it’s like a fixture list.”

Last night the fundraising started with an X-Factor music event at Queenswood Social Club in Kirkstall. The events will raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support, Leukaemia Care, the Stroke Association, the neonatal unit at St James’s and Ward 88 at the hospital.

Mr Beck, who launched the events with a Youtube video, said: “All the charities affected Charlotte. She had a couple of strokes while she was ill and she had Thomas, who was born prematurely, at St James’s.”

Mr Beck described how he had been overwhelmed with offers of support from friends and strangers with his fundraising.

He said: “Part of the reason I’m doing it is to help the kids understand. Some of the stuff they have been through was just horrible. But with a charity night you see how people come together.

“It will keep her memory and her spirit alive. People will be talking about Charlotte and telling stories about her.”

Thousands of pounds were already raised last year after a crowdfunding appeal following Charlotte’s death.

Mr Beck said football teams were invited to take part in a five-a-side tournament in July and items to be sold at a future auction were welcome.

Cash donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/12nightsforcharlotte

Anyone who can help with the fundraising can contact Mr Beck by e-mailing [email protected]