My beautiful, amazing and courageous 11 year old son was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumour on 3rd of September and whilst all the medical professionals believed  we would have more time together, Aaron's tumour had other ideas.  Aaron died at home, surrounded by love on 19th of October just 6 weeks after diagnosis.  Throughout the whole time, Aaron was so very brave, facing each challenge head on whilst his family crumbled on the inside.

It is so hard to sum up who Aaron was in just a few words.  He was a kind, caring  and popular child, who was full of life and energy.  He was funny and witty, his laughter, beat-boxing and incessant drumming will forever ring in my ears, as his stunning smile will be forever etched in my mind and his phenomenal cuddle will forever be wrapped around my heart. Aaron will leave an imprint on so many peoples lives and be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him.

Through this horrendous journey I have met some of the most beautiful, kind and caring people, the nurses, doctors and support staff from Sarum in Salisbury, G2 Neuro & Piam Brown in Southampton, the lovely Radiotherapy team in Southampton, the outreach teams and physio’s.  This list is impossible to complete without missing some of the great support we received, but gives you an idea of just how touched our lives have been by wonderful people.  There are of course special mentions for the two most caring and compassionate oncology consultants you could ever wish to meet but I sincerely hope you never need to.  The kindness of all of these people was breathtaking and I will never forget how they helped not only my beautiful angel but also me and our family.   Whilst nothing will ever ease the loss we have suffered, when I look for a positive in all this, it is this that I find.  Some of these people I will consider friends forever.

I am raising money for Julia's House because in our final weeks together they helped us in so many ways we could never repay, from the small touches of kindness to the insurmountable help and support we needed and still do.   Without their help we most likely would not have made it home, and Aaron was so happy to be home.  Julia's House also enabled us to visit the beach one last time and watching Aaron's delight as he ate ice cream with the sand in his toes will stay with me forever.

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