Story

On 1st April this year my beautiful little sister Gabrielle, one of the first children cared for by Julia’s House hospice, would be turning 21. Sadly due to all her complications we lost her aged 15. Since she grew her wings I struggle to put into words how hard these years have been, and without my Mum too who passed away 20 months later, just hours after attending the Julia’s House memorial day.

After doing a skydive for what would have been her 18th birthday, I was so proud to become a Young Ambassador of this amazing charity who did so much for me and my family.

For her special birthday this year I have decided to stick to the ground and walk 21 miles for her 21st. My sister could not walk, which is why I want to put my legs through the pain and raise money in her name.

The walk will start at her resting place in Bere Regis at 05:49am, the time she was born, finishing at Julia’s House. I’ll be joined for all 21 miles by several of their staff (TEAM GABBY).

All Gabrielle’s birthdays were very big for us. We were grateful for every year we shared with her. To do this challenge on her 21st will make this day that little bit easier.

About Gabrielle:

Gabrielle Jane Lawrence was born with Hemimegalencephaly, a rare condition where half the brain is much larger than the other and causes severe seizures. She also had Epilepsy, Scoliosis and severe learning difficulties, couldn’t walk or talk, and had to be fed through a gastrostomy (tube into the stomach). Despite it all she was a happy girl and still able to communicate in her own little way.

How Julia's House helped me and my family:

My Mum's life revolved around the love and care for Gabrielle, from the moment she woke up to when she went to bed. When a child is seriously ill you just don’t get breaks. All your focus is on keeping them safe and alive.

Julia’s House enabled Mum to get a break. Leaving Gabrielle with people we trusted made our time away less of a worry, because she was safe and would have the best time. She would take part in many activities there, enjoying messy play, the sensory room and even baking.

It meant me and my middle sister Carly could have time with Mum and enjoy days out. Carly and I took part in many sibling trips too: days out and weekends away with other siblings in the same position. These trips created amazing friendships and gave me back my childhood.

After Gabrielle passed, Julia's House let us use their mermaid suite. A beautiful room with access to a small garden for us to spend our final days with my little sister. They also helped SO much with her funeral.

The following year Mum, Carly and I went to our first remembrance day at the hospice. We shared a lovely afternoon with families who had also lost a loved one. Little did we know that was the last day we would share with our Mum. She had given everything. That weekend she grew her wings and was reunited with Gabrielle.

Julia's House have been like family. From all their help and support we've been able to create memories that will last a lifetime and get through our darkest days.

Please take the time to donate and share. The money raised is life changing for the children and families. It will provide frequent
support at home, in the community or at the hospice.

I don't know what we would have done without them.

21 miles for 21 years of memories.

Diana xxx