Dear Friend

 

As you busily prepare for the festive season, I hope you will spare a few minutes to think about families like mine who find planning for the future terrifying.  This year will be our second Christmas without our beautiful son, and brother, Oliver. He died on 19 March 2009 aged just 15. 

 

My Oli was a healthy happy child, with a huge appetite and mischievous smile.  He was 14 years old when we were told he had cancer of the bone.  Just before Christmas 2008 we were told his cancer was too advanced and nothing more could be done for him.  It felt like our world had ended.

 

In the midst of the pain and tears, we were referred to Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.  Oli and I spent his last 18 months in and out of hospital.  Carol, our Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker slotted into our support network effortlessly.  But instead of administering medicine, she visited us in hospital, listened to Oli and I, and helped with the everyday practical things that took time away from me enjoying my last months with my son. 

 

Oli could speak to her about things he knew would upset me too much.  His fear of dying, or what would happen to me when he was gone.  I spoke to her about how much I loved him, and how scared I was of a life without him.  

 

Without Carol and her support, I don’t know how Oli and I would have coped in his last months.  Please consider donating to Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity this Christmas, and helping families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness cope with the reality that this Christmas might be their child’s last.

 

A gift of £10 could give a worried family urgent support from a Family Support Worker.  The care they offer is individual to each family, whether it’s practical support - helping parents to attend hospital appointments, or looking after siblings whilst the parents spend time with their child’s doctors - or emotional support, like I received.

 

Since Oli died, Rainbow Trust and their support is the only thing I have left from his last years. Carol still visits me; I can talk about Oli freely with her; I sometimes think my friends can get a little uncomfortable if I discuss him.  Carol helps me to remember my wonderful son and makes me realise that my life hasn’t ended. This support means so much to me right now.

 

Rainbow Trust can’t change the diagnosis or treatment but it can, and it does, provide a lifeline to parents like me, struggling to cope with the death of their child.  By offering non-medical, practical and emotional support they aim to maintain a sense of normality and keep families together over Christmas.

 

For the families Rainbow Trust hope to support this Christmas, this appeal is desperately urgent.  Please make a donation today, any amount you can give will make all the difference.

 

I would like to wish everyone a very happy healthy Christmas.

 

Helen Gardener.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.