A barn dance held in memory of a schoolgirl who died of a brain aneurysm raised more than £7,500 for charity.

The BIG Barn Dance at Prince's Manor Farm in Harwell on Saturday was held in honour of Neve Parlett by her parents Mary and Paul.

Neve was 11 when she collapsed in the school playground in March 2021 and later died in hospital.

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Her parents and older brother Lewis recently marked the second anniversary of her death by planting a tree in woodland near their house in Harwell.

Oxford Mail: Mary and Paul Parlett have navigated two years without their daughter Neve.Mary and Paul Parlett have navigated two years without their daughter Neve. (Image: Mary Parlett)

The event on Saturday was a sell-out. 200 people were in attendance and some even joined a waiting list.

Mary Parlett said: “We were absolutely blown away. We had capacity for 200 people but when we started to advertise we thought that was quite a lot.

“But it sold really quickly and we had to open up a waiting list for people who couldn’t get tickets.

Oxford Mail: Lewis and Mary Parlett at the barn dance in memory of NeveLewis and Mary Parlett at the barn dance in memory of Neve (Image: Mary Parlett)

“It was amazing for us and we couldn’t believe that we completely sold out.”

More than £7,500 was raised for Helen & Douglas House - which has supported the family over the last two years - through ticket sales, an auction, a raffle, the bar, and ‘Neve’s tuck shop’.

Ariat Europe, a footwear wholesaler in Harwell, donated £1,000 as well as two pairs of cowboy boots worth around £150 each.

There was also country dancing and live performance from singer Tom Seth Johnson.

Mrs Parlett said: “It was brilliant. Because it was in the barn, everybody thought it was going to be really cold and wrapped up warm.

“But we had a professional caller that was getting everybody up dancing and having a brilliant time.

“It was just quite emotional looking around the barn and seeing all these people with smiles over their faces.

“Just knowing that people were there to remember Neve but also to dig deep into their pockets even though there’s an economic crisis going on with bills and food.

“It was just amazing that people were willing to donate so much money.

“She was a popular young girl and it just makes you realise that she hasn’t died in vain. This continues her legacy of helping and looking after people.

“Just knowing that every penny that people were giving really does help support families that really need it.

“We as a family are absolutely blown away with the huge support from our friends, family and local community and local businesses.

Oxford Mail: Mary and Paul Parlett alongside friends Vicky Lay and Clare Barton, who are running the London Marathon for Helen and DouglasMary and Paul Parlett alongside friends Vicky Lay and Clare Barton, who are running the London Marathon for Helen and Douglas (Image: Mary Parlett)

“We know how important it is to raise funds for such an important charity like Helen & Douglas House as there support has been invaluable to us as a family for the past 2 years."

Mrs Parlett’s friends Vicky Lay and Clare Barton are running the London Marathon for Helen & Douglas House, and have so far raised £5,000.

For more information, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/vickyandclare