Chorus of tributes to 'sweet' Claire

By [jcurtis]

"SWEET child of mine" – the moving lyric from the Guns 'n' Roses anthem was sung with all her heart by the mother of pregnant stab victim Claire Wilson at a benefit gig.

Claire died from a stab wound to her back in June.

She had already named her unborn daughter April.

Her mum, Debbie Wilson, sang Sweet Child Of Mine and the classic Free song, All Right Now, with fellow RappoR band member Dave Foulds on guitar

A concert for stab victim Claire Wilson was held at the Lloyds Arms pub in Grimsby to celebrate her short life. Mum Debbie Wilson, centre, was among the acts as part of her duo RappoR. With her, from left, are Adam Kennard, Ashley Humphrey, Holly Birch, Ray Richardson, Lesley Wilson and Stephanie Wilson.

It was part of a concert uniting friends and family of Claire for a celebration in music of her life.

It was held at the Lloyds Arms just days after the date on which she would have celebrated her 22nd birthday.

Debbie said: "It is absolutely overwhelming. There are people here who I had not met before and I am learning more about Claire every day. It has been brilliant.

"I had Claire on my mind throughout the concert. I was doing it for her. Sweet Child Of Mine has much more of an impact on me now. But I did not cry at the end.

"I hope she is looking down on us with a smile. I always have a vase of sunflowers – Claire's favourite flower – in front of me when I perform."

Aunt Diane North, 41, the mother of Grimsby Town star Danny North, said: "I am very impressed with the number of people who have come along. We are proud that everyone who knew Claire has turned up to support a good cause.

"Debbie was fantastic. Claire is really special and she will never be forgotten.

"Losing her is still raw."

She praised all the supporters who donated cash in memory of Claire, which will be distributed to the Special Care Baby Unit, the Blue Cross and some of Claire's other favourite charities.

Adam Kennard, 23, Claire's partner, who now lives in Africa, said: "It is nice to come back and see old friends.

"I was the only one to hold both of them. April was small but perfectly formed and just as beautiful as Claire. She was loved by a lot of people.

"I was content to settle down with the two most beautiful people in my life. It has been a massive shock. Now I am travelling, which ever way the wind takes me."

Fundraisers will be taking part in a skydive at Hibaldstow airfield on September 27, when 20 of them will take a leap in memory of Claire and April.

Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph this week for more details.

Murder charge

As reported, Alan McMullan 53, of Sherwood Road, Grimsby, is charged with murdering Claire on June 7. He will next appear in court on August 27.