A COUPLE who lost their baby daughter to Mitochondrial Disease two years ago are organising a Charity Cornish Craft Beer Tasting Evening to raise money in her honour.

Ben Keverne and Hannah Chapman, from Tresillian near Truro, lost their baby Maisie just before her six-month birthday in 2018.  

Since then, they have been raising money for The Lily Foundation, a charity that works tirelessly to both support families affected by Mitochondrial Disease and to raise money for medical research to find a cure.

Hannah said: “It’s lovely for Ben to run a unique event which is all about his passion for Cornish beer. It is incredibly tough, losing a child, but we have found that throughout her life, and after it, Maisie found ways to bring people together, and to do things we wouldn’t normally do.

"She taught us to make the most of the lives we’re very lucky to have. That’s why we nicknamed her: Amazing Maisie.”

In a short space of time they’ve raised over £20,000 with support from family and friends, and they plan to keep it up.

Ben now has a place for the London Marathon in April, so has another target of £3,000 to raise. And he has decided to use his love of Cornish craft beers and ales for their next fundraising event.

Falmouth Packet:

Ben and Maisie

The Charity Cornish Craft Beer Tasting Evening, supported by Truro hotel The Alverton, is the perfect evening for ale and beer drinkers, celebrating the very best of Cornish brewing. It will take place on Friday, February 7. 

Tickets are just £20 and include a welcome pint, followed by tastes of six beers from different Cornish breweries.

From pale ales through to dark beers, expect small batch, limited run brews you may not have tried before.

Each beer will be carefully paired with a small snack to complement the taste of each brew. The evening will finish with piping hot pasties, a raffle and a chance to purchase more charity drinks.

Ben, originally from Helston, added: “This is our latest fundraiser for the Lily Foundation - we’re always trying to find new ideas. I’m sure it will be a fun night for all, providing something to look forward to at the start of the year. It’s a great opportunity to find your new favourite tipple.”

Tickets can be bought on Eventbrite at: https://charity-beer-evening.eventbrite.co.uk

The family would also be keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in supporting the event, including breweries, beer shops and local food producers.