Family of Taylor High ‘passing on his smile’ to others as fund raises £90,000 in his memory

Regan Mercer, three, is presented with her new Disney bike after her previous cycle was stolen. The new bike is presented to Regan by Gary High, on behalf of the Taylor High Memorial Fund. Picture: MARK BOGGIS (Image: Archant)

For the past six years, the family of Taylor High have been 'passing on Taylor's smile' with every donation that they make.

Taylor's parents Elaine and Gary High set up the Taylor High Memorial Fund fund in their son's memory after the 19-year-old died in a road crash in west Norfolk in March 2011.

Since then, dozens of fund-raising events and collections have been held, allowing the Highs to help good causes across Waveney. And now the fund has reached another milestone – having made their 100th donation, and raised £90,000 for deserving causes.

Earlier this year, Taylor's brother Curtis High completed an extreme challenge in his memory, raising further monies for the fund. Picture: The High family (Image: Archant)

Over the past six years a number of deserving people, community projects and organisations across the district have benefited from the fund. Mrs High said: 'We are extremely proud to say we have now given out donations of anywhere between £50 to £2,000 to 100 beneficiaries.

'In Taylor's memory we have raised £90,000 in the six years since he has died. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us achieve this incredible feat. Every donation we give we say it's our way of passing on Taylor's smile. However we feel like his smile has been passed back to us with the support we get.'

The latest to benefit is a three-year-old Lowestoft girl, whose much-loved pink Princess bicycle was stolen from her back garden on Friday (June 23). Regan Mercer, three, was left heartbroken after her prized possession was taken. But within the space of a few hours, her smile had returned after Mr High presented her with a new Disney bike.

Taylor High Memorial Match between Waveney and The Ole Frank. (Image: ©archant2015)

Regan's mum Kennedy Mercer said: 'Everyone has a favourite toy, and Regan is always on her bike. She was so upset when I told her it had gone. But now she is so happy again – I can't believe it.'

Mr High said: 'It's great to see Regan smiling again. After what happened, we are always pleased to help and pass on Taylor's smile.'

Police are investigating following the theft of the cycle, which was stolen by a man of skinny build from the back garden of a house in Cathcart Street, Lowestoft at about 8am. Information to Lowestoft police on 101, quoting CAD 241 of June 23.

A memorial bench to Taylor High was unveiled in Nicholas Everitt Park, Lowestoft by his parents Gary and Elaine along with his brother Curtis. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: © Archant 2012)