5:11pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008
By Matthew Colledge
FRIENDS of a Bridgwater mother-to-be threw a surprise event for her at the Bangla curry restaurant.
The baby shower event was organised by colleagues of Ella Chatfield, a support advisor for Bridgwater Domestic Abuse Forum, to thank her for the hard work she puts in to help the women who need it most.
A baby shower is a party in which parents or expectant parents receive gifts for their newborn or expected child.
Bridgwater Mayor and Mayoress Graham and Kay Granter attended the evening along with friends and supporters of the forum.
The forum is a support group led by women who have experienced abusive relationships to provide help and advice for those currently living in fear of their partners.
Sonya Greenslade, chair of the group and voluntary worker at the New Directions centre in Church Street, said: "Ella is an inspiration to others. She has experienced very difficult past pregnancies and is the perfect example of someone who has risen above her problems and is now offering support to those who need it most.
"The evening was a clear indication of the strength of community spirit and we just wanted to say thank you to someone who has given so much.
"I would like to thank Di Monaghan and Heather Pearce for helping to organise the event and for all the hard work they do behind the scenes."
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