Apologies in advance for a long (emotional) post

This year I’ll be attempting the GNR half marathon in memory of my sister Jen - who passed away suddenly on 4th June this year.

When Jen died - she left behind a 13 year old daughter Payton

Jen was only 35 and in really good health. It all just started as a headache … then she thought it was a migraine that just wouldn’t shift … after a few days we took her to A&E just to get some stronger tablets. That was on the Friday night (we were all supposed to go out for a family tea)

Jen promised Payton that we could all go to the Tomahawk for a steak on the Saturday night instead.

At the hospital they found fluid on Jens brain - we still have no idea why. Out of the blue at 6am on the Saturday morning - Jen suffered a fit and suddenly stopped breathing. Surgery to remove the fluid and pressure in Jens brain did not save her and she was declared brain dead very soon after.

When Payton woke up the next morning we had to break her little heart and tell that her Mom would never wake up 💔

Her words - ‘but it was just a headache’

That’s where the charity 4Louis stepped in with the support of specialist nurses in the intensive care unit at James Cook Hospital - to help a 13 year old girl say her final goodbyes to her Mom

4Louis provided a memory box for Payton - with so many special tokens - the nurses helped Payton cut a lock of her Moms hair - they made bracelets - one stayed with Jen and Payton proudly wears hers… but the one thing that Payton took great comfort from was the 4Louis teddy bears. One bear stayed with Mom and one stayed with Payton. That bear went everywhere with Payton in the weeks after Jen left us and seemed to give her so much comfort.

I cant thank 4Louis enough for helping a young girl who lost her Mom and best friend in such a short space of time.

Please support me with anything you can - even £1 will help this amazing charity.

I’m hoping Jen is with me in spirit on the day - I’ll need all the help I can get

Thank you all

4Louis works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child. We understand the pain and heartbreak that families go through and are dedicated to providing support and comfort during this difficult time.

We provide memory boxes filled with keepsakes and mementos to help families create lasting memories of their loved one. We also provide useful tools, equipment, and training free of charge to hospital units, hospices, and other professionals who work with grieving families.