A rave held in memory of a man has raised £1,000 for the town’s mental health support service.

On May 28, dozens of people gathered at the Railway Tavern in Dereham to dance in memory of Jordie Rae, who was from the town and took his own life in 2017, aged 28.

The rave fundraised for The Listening Post, a charity launched by Tracey and George Rae, Jordie's parents. 

The party was organised by Ben Connolly, who said: “That was a beautiful day, thank you so much to everyone who came along. 

“Thanks to the DJs, Paul Sandford and Debbie for letting us take over the place, I’m pretty sure we've done Jordie proud.

Mr Sandford, tavern landlord, said: “It was a wonderful day that had everyone dancing and remembering Jordie the way he would have wanted it.

"Big thanks to Ben for organising and the Rae family for allowing us the honour to host such an  important day remembering Jordie.”

George Rae, Jordie’s dad, added: “After two years of not being able to have the Jordie Rave at the Railway Tavern, the return of this fundraiser in memory of our son did not disappoint.

“The weather was perfect and there was a fantastic turnout from Jordie’s friends and the local community who came together for a day and night of music to raise funds for the Listening Post which has been set up specifically to help the youth of Dereham who are struggling with their mental health or other issues they may have and feel they can’t talk to anyone face to face.

Dereham Times: Tracey and George Rae with Love Dereham chairman Keith Mersh (left) and Dereham Baptist Church volunteer Lyn Milns (second from right)Tracey and George Rae with Love Dereham chairman Keith Mersh (left) and Dereham Baptist Church volunteer Lyn Milns (second from right) (Image: Newsquest)

“The funds raised from Jordie RaVe3 will go directly to the listening post to ensure we can provide the best possible advice for those who are in need. 

"All of this wouldn’t have been possible if not for Paul and Debbie Sandford and his amazing bar staff who work tirelessly during our fundraising events also to Ben Connolly and the Outta Swanton crew who provide all the equipment and DJs, it just wouldn’t be the same without these guys, and not forgetting the people of Dereham who came along and donated to the fund so on behalf of my family.

“I thank everyone who has been involved and who made Sunday such a special day, special thanks to Keith and Anthea of LoveDereham for all their help and support and co-founder of the Listening Post, Lyn Mylns, for all she has done for the youth of our town.”

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