Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

10 years ago, in September 2011, our 10-year-old daughter Katy had just started year 6 and was very much looking forward to going to high school. Suddenly, one month later, our lives were changed forever: Katy, out of nowhere, was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumour and given only 6-9 months to live. We searched the world over but couldn't save her life. Sadly, after only 3 months, Katy passed away peacefully at Derian House Children's Hospice. It was 1 am on Saturday 19th January 2012, and her dad Dave and I held her hand throughout and played Disney music. 

Over the next 4 years, we raised over £1.1M for paediatric brain tumour research. We also raised more than £10,000 for Derian House. You can read more about our story here: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/our-supporter-groups/supporter-groups/groups/the-katy-holmes-fund/

Derian House was incredible, not just with Katy in her final months, but with the whole family. They made sure we all had everything we needed and their love shone through everything they did. I was afraid to go there at first, I thought hospices were dull, sad places, but with some gentle persuasion, we went. It wasn't what I thought. The place was beautiful and the staff were like walking angels on Earth. Our other daughter Charley (8) was very frightened and confused by what was happening - she was about to lose her big sister and best friend. The staff at Derian House were incredible with her and extremely nurturing. I gave birth to baby Scarlet as Katy lay in her bed with her dad by her side. The staff pulled together to make sure that all of us had an outlet to release our emotions and every bit of support. Derian House is an incredible place and we wouldn't have coped as well as we did without their support, love and belief in us. The least we can do is raise as much as possible to support them the way they supported us, and show our heartfelt gratitude.

This year should have been Katy's 21st birthday. To mark the occasion we, as a family, will be walking 21 miles on her birthday - May 26th. We will be doing the Glenridding-Ullswater Circular Walk which is a gorgeous 21.1 mile loop trail located near Penrith, Cumbria.

We would love to raise £21 to mark the occasion but if we get to £210 that would be wonderful too! Imagine though if we got to £2100!! You never know how valuable a service is until you find yourself needing to use it and Derian House deserves every penny I can raise for them and more. If you would be willing to donate anything at all then please know how very much we, and them, will appreciate it.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.