I woke up to the sounds of screaming at around 4am. The screams so terrifying that I had wet the bed. I went over to check Anisha's cot like I did every morning. She wasn't there. 

Confused and scared I was going to get in to trouble for wetting the bed, I came downstairs. In our small little house, 2 up, 2 down, there were people everywhere. My uncles, cousins, aunties everyone were all gathered around. I entered the living room to see my mum being held as she cried and screamed uncontrollably. Believe me when I say, seeing your mum in that kind of pain is an image that never leaves you. 

Sometimes, painful to re-live but also something that motivates us and brings the family closer together. Anisha passed away when she was close to her first birthday with kidney failure. It's incredible how my memories with Anisha are so vivid where other parts of my childhood seem lost or blurry. We had to have many hospital visits and I was always told she was special because of her condition so we would need to give her extra care. I didn't mind, I was a boy who didn't understand the medical or science. All I knew is that I loved my little sister, rocking her in her chair, talking to her, telling her how we were going to be superheroes when she was older. 

Circling back to the hospital visits. The staff at the Royal Manchester Chilldren's Hospital were always amazing at what they did. Always so kind, patient and understanding that families were going through something. For me, the toys were so important. We could spend at least a day on tests, treatments and waiting around so having toys helped me pass the time. This is why we try to do a toy drive pre-pandemic to help. Another memory for me was meeting Manchester United legend and captain Bryan Robson at the hospital which also ignited my passion for football later down the line. It all linked me back to Anisha. 

Right up to the end, the hospital, nurses and doctors helped us as a family to cope and continue to live our lives. The aftercare and support was so much more than just a 'service'. My mum always remembers how much they did for us. This is just our story so I can't even imagine how many more people and families depend on them. 

The thought of my sister always lights a passion in my eyes. In all honesty, I try not to think of her as gone but more that heaven needed another angel. I'm not a runner and my fitness is not great but I'm going to do it this year. I want to do this for you my sister, and I want to do it for all the kids, staff and families that depend on the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Please help support me by giving whatever you can afford. I appreciate it more than words can say. 

Kam