Thanks for taking the time to visit this page where I'm fundraising in memory of my mum, Jo Ann McLaughlin. When she first became ill (and beat cancer in her first brave battle) she had a round of radiotherapy and I sent her a song a day to listen to during the treatment, which she said kept her smiling throughout. This is why I'm reviving the 'musical advent', as I know it's something my mum would love, to raise money for Cancer Research.

Since losing her I've been too sad, too angry and a bit of a mess so I never wrote or posted this anywhere:

On Monday 17th August of this year my Mum died surrounded by the loving family her and my Dad created.

This woman showed me how to be a loving son, brother, husband, father and friend. I cannot put into words how I have felt since the loss of such a kind, caring and loving person. She dedicated her whole life both professionally and personally to helping people feel better about themselves. I didn't tell her enough what a true inspiration she was. Nor did I spend enough time trying to make her happier when she needed it.

Since that morning I have been overwhelmed by the love and support from a number of friends and family who have told me what my mum meant and represented to them. The consistent themes of happiness, positivity, humility, empathy and fun have been repeated in all the messages my dad, my sisters and I received.

She was a beautiful human being in every sense of the word and I'm going to make sure her spark and spirit live on through the stories and lessons I pass down to Martha, her first grandchild who arrived in July, who I'm so glad mum got chance to meet.

I know 2020 has hit people hard so I'm only asking you to donate if you can afford to - any small amount will help keep me strumming my four chord disasters!

James x