FAMILY, friends, and a string of local businesses have helped to organise a festival dedicated to a lost mum and best friend.

After the pain of losing her mum Helen and best friend Hannah to cancer, Carly Quinn said that she desperately wanted to do something to celebrate their lives and raise awareness of cancer charities.

Back in 2017, the Star previously covered the story of Hannah Black, who courageously battled with terminal brain cancer after losing her mum to a similar condition, and Helen was well known as a teaching assistant at Rainford High.

And with the second anniversary of Helen's passing coming up, Carly has been working with people from across the community to organise 'H Fest'; a jam-packed family fundraiser that will also be a day of remembrance for Helen, Hannah, and all lost loved ones.

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St Helens Star: Hannah's friends fundraised for charity at the time of her cancer battleHannah's friends fundraised for charity at the time of her cancer battle (Image: Carly Quinn)
Speaking about the event, social worker Carly said: "After losing my mum and best friend to similar illnesses, I really wanted to do something special to celebrate their lives and raise awareness of cancer charities.

"There will be a general theme of loss and remembrance, but with the idea that these people are always around us through our memories and ways that they have rubbed off on others."

St Helens Star: Former teaching assistant Helen passed away in 2022Former teaching assistant Helen passed away in 2022 (Image: Carly Quinn)
With the festival set to take place at Park Farm in Carr Mill on Saturday, July 20, family and friends began organising the event with Carly, and as the idea grew, more and more local businesses were "ready to do whatever they could to help".

With the aim of providing something for all the family, the festival will boast a selection of live singers throughout the day, as well as fresh food from Little Italy, Red's Cafe, and Feisty Cow ice cream.

There will also be a variety of face painting, arts and crafts, inflatable and sports activities on offer, as well as fitness boot camps, beauty treatments, cake classes, raffles, and well being workshops.

St Helens Star: 'H Fest' will take place in honour of Helen, Hannah, and all lost loved ones'H Fest' will take place in honour of Helen, Hannah, and all lost loved ones (Image: Carly Quinn)
Carly, 33, added: "The support from everyone has been overwhelming.

"I think because my mum and Hannah were well established within different groups, people have been ready to do whatever they can to help.

"There are already 170 people booked on and it has just been really lovely seeing it all come together."

With H Fest raising money for Willowbrook Cancer Charity and Park Farm Community Centre, you can book your tickets here.