Family of Northamptonshire dad who died aged just 26 hold seventh fundraiser in his memory

Shaun Taylor died on May 19, 2019, after collapsing from an aortic dissection, leaving behind his wife Vickie and their two young sons, Oscar and Ethan.

Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) attended the emergency and its crew did everything they could to save Shaun.

Since his death, Shaun’s family have raised more than £32,000 for the charity – enough to help fund 12 lifesaving missions.

Their seventh annual family fun day will take place at Cold Ashby Playing Fields, Stanford Road, on Saturday, September 12.

The event will begin with a football match at 12.30pm between Black Rose Barber Co and Shaun’s Spanners.

Shaun’s Spanners is made up of his family and friends and is led by his cousin Mark and best friend Ryan.

Activities will continue until 4.30pm and include bouncy castles, face painting, a barbecue, local craft stalls, a bar, raffle, tombola, live DJ and ice cream van.

Entry and parking will be free.

Remembering Shaun, Vickie said: “Shaun had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, he was funny, kind, caring and hard working. He is missed so much by so many.

“I know he would be very grateful to the charity, just as his whole family are, so we wanted to give something back to help them.”

Alongside the annual event, the family have organised Easter and Christmas fetes and other fundraisers.

Oscar and Ethan also completed a sponsored bike ride which raised more than £2,000.

Nadine Eason, In Memory & Major Gifts Fundraising Executive for YLAA, thanked Shaun’s family for their “unwavering commitment” to the charity.

YLAA says it receives no government or National Lottery funding for its missions and relies on donations.

Each mission costs around £2,500, with its specialist crews responding to emergencies across Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties.