Hi all, thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

As today is World Cancer Day, I have decided to start a fundraising page for my beautiful mum - Rita (meaning Pearl), who sadly passed away on the 6th of April 2017, at the young age of 55. She was a beautiful and happy soul, trying to describe her through words simply cannot do her justice. An incredible mum who raised my brother and I with so much love and affection, preparing us to be the best we could be in life. A caring wife that was always by my dad's side, through the good times and bad. Someone that brought true joy into our lives and united us as a family.

On Monday the 20th of October 2014, we received the heartbreaking news that my mum had been diagnosed with liver cancer. Hearing this at the age of 16, I had the worst thoughts going through my mind knowing that I could lose my mum, but we kept strong as a family, doing anything we could do to support her.

After a successful operation in December 2014, she learnt how to walk again and had countless chemotherapy sessions, which all came with some frightening side effects. Throughout the process, she showed the utmost tenacity and stayed strong for herself, our family and always did it with a smile on her face.

As time went on, during January 2016 we were told that her cancer had cleared, although there could be a chance for it to come back. My parents took the time and went to India In February so that my mum could visit her family, knowing that time is a commodity. My mum went for a check-up once they were back in the UK, she was told that her cancer had come back and a new form of treatment would have to be given. She stayed strong, went through the treatments and the numerous amount of hospital appointments. Eventually, she was given a hospital bed to have at home as her condition deteriorated. 

On Saturday the 25th of February, she was again admitted into Northwick Park Hospital as her health had begun to decline. We were told that my mum was entering the last days of her life, with doctors estimating 2 weeks to live - my mum wished to be home for the last few days of her life. These last few days with her were so precious, having this short time to talk about life, reminisce on the good times and share a few final laughs, is a feeling that we as a family will always hold close to our hearts and cherish.

In the second week of March, my mum was admitted into St Lukes Hospice (Harrow & Brent) as they provided excellent 24-hour care. Sadly, on Thursday the 6th of April 2017 a beautiful soul was taken from our lives in front of us.

On World Cancer Day, I would like to thank our fantastic NHS, Macmillan services and St Lukes Hospice services, which are the backbone of our world-class health care system. I want to encourage all individuals to get regular check-ups as it is better to know earlier than later. Every journey is different, support those around you. 

I would urge you to donate to St Lukes Hospice (Harrow & Brent) which is very dear to me, a service which adds life to day's when day's cant be added. Donations will provide great support for the hospice and care for those fallen ill.

Thank you! 

Stay strong, stay blessed! :)