30/08/2024
Sorry for the long post but please read and share if you can. Thank you 💗
This is of a personal nature and something we wouldn’t normally post here. Throughout November 2023, you may recall that we closed early, something of which we never normally do. This was due to personal reasons of which we will now share with you.
Samantha’s Niece, Olivia, had already previously battled and fought cancer twice by the time she reached her 3rd birthday. In March 2023, Olivia had the all clear and rang the bell. Unfortunately, in November, we had the call to say Olivia’s cancer had returned for the third time and unfortunately there wasn’t anything they could do to help. Olivia was given just 48hrs.
Olivia was taken to John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, Oxford, before being transferred to Helen & Douglas House, a children’s hospice. Whilst here, they helped Olivia to celebrate an early birthday and Christmas. They rallied around and went above and beyond, from sourcing decorations to providing the family a self sufficient flat so they could stay close to Olivia. They provided meals, a listening ear, cups of teas and even activities for Olivia if she felt up to it.
Olivia fought hard, and was defeating her 48hours. She was able to be transferred back home to her own bed. Whilst home, Olivia managed to reach and celebrate her 4th birthday in her home environment surrounded by all of her family. Heartbreakingly, just two days after her birthday, Olivia passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, aged just 4 years old.
We are sharing this with you as Samantha’s Husband and friends are running the Oxford Half Marathon on October 13th to raise funds for Helen & Douglas House in thanks of their kindness and support in an extremely difficult time.
Please, if you could donate anything, even £1 we would be most grateful. You can click the link below:
https://helenanddouglas.enthuse.com/pf/lee-gratton
💕Olivia Rose Kearns 💕
23/12/19 - 25/12/23
