Please read!!

I will be holding a wreath making class at The Quaker Meeting House on 7th April 2024. 2.30pm-4.30pm. Some people have already said they can't make it but would like to donate. I am so grateful....this is why....

So...on 10th February, my amazing Sister in Law died. Superlatives and complimentary adjectives are thrown around a lot these days....but 'amazing' doesn't even begin to do Allison justice.

Here's a little snapshot of her adult time on this earth:

Age 29 - Allison diagnosed with breast cancer and, after a mastectomy and her body rejecting the usual forms of treatment, she underwent a pioneering drug trial, which has since helped to save the lives of many women. She toured the country with a Professor from the Centre for Life as a patient advocate. Her treatment carried on for several years and meant she could not try to have children.

Her attitude throughout was so fabulous that she featured in a double page spread in COSMOPOLITAN magazine.

Age 39 - Allison gave birth to Sophie!! Miracle baby who is now a quite phenomenal young woman

Age 45 - Allison received confirmation that she had the Bracha 2 Gene and made the brave decision to have her female organs removed. A post-surgical complication meant she almost died. As ever, her positive attitude, bravery and love of life helped her to bounce back much quicker than anyone could imagine.

In the next few years, both Allison's older and younger sisters died from Bracha 2 related cancer. Her death means her wonderful Mam has now lost all of her children!

Age approx 51 - Allison and husband Alan (my brother) attend a country event where there is an exhibit of Barebow 3D Archery....Allison excitedly 'had a go'....and the rest is history!!! multiple competition wins, too many national titles to recount, Tynedale Sportswoman of the Year...and then....

Age 54 - in 2019 Allison represented GB at the World Chamionships in Lac La Biche, Canada!!!! WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT

Age 55 - Allison felt pain in her back....she received a diagnosis of Mesothelioma. Her prognosis was not good - average life expectancy was approx 8 months.....not for Allison though. Again, she took advantage of every drug trial available - which not only gave her the chance of a little longer, but also served to advance science and treatment for future patients. Her additional time allowed her to see Sophie go off to University in Texas and, once she had been told there was no further treatment available, to travel to Texas, for her 'last big adventure' to see where Sophie lives and to meet the people she spends her life with.

The last couple of months of Allison's life were spent in St Oswald's Hospice......and she, and her loved ones, could not have received better care....as a family, we would like to raise some funds to do what little we can to make sure other families can be supported by this fabulous place.

Allison LOVED life! She was an example to us all. Please help me to do a little to help.

Thank you for reading this,

Sharon xx