“I love my hair and I love going wild with it – from pink, to blue, to silver, and to accidental oranges and greens. I love it. Something I have always wanted to do is shave my hair, but I have never built the courage to do it.
When my sister got ill, I wanted to shave my hair even more – not just because she, somehow, was even more beautiful without hair, but because I wanted to do it as a way to say, “I’m with you”. Unfortunately, I never quite plucked up the courage to do it, but I’m here still wanting to do it, so why not now, there isn’t a better time!”
Niamh’s sister, Jessie, sadly died last year on the 15th of September. She had stayed at the Hospice on the Ward for 19 days and in those days, she managed to create some amazing final memories with her friends and family thanks to the support of the staff and volunteers there. Jessie was able to have a picnic with her friends in the beautiful gardens and grounds, have visits from puppies and kittens, and she had a continuous parade of people coming in and out of her room.
I remember the first time I stepped into the Hospice, and I was blown away at how open and beautiful it was. It was so bright and welcoming, and I really do believe it was the best place for Jessie to spend her final days. Since then, my family and Jessie’s friends have continued to raise money through taking part in the Starlight Stroll, completing our own fundraisers and activities.
“Shaving my hair isn’t just going to be a statement, I also want it to be a reason to fundraise for the Hospice in the Weald. They provide incredible care for patients with terminal illness, my sister having been one of them. They helped us make sure she was as comfortable as possible, and they looked after us during one of the most difficult times our family has gone through. They kept us smiling, even when it seemed impossible.
And so, I ask you to please donate as much or as little as you can to this brilliant cause, in hopes to help people like my sister and my family. Every penny counts, it really does”
We can never thank Hospice in the Weald enough for the help they gave not only to Jessie, but also to my family too – from the kind snacks in the kitchen area, to reminding us how to smile, even on the darkest of days.
