HOW IT ALL STARTED!

BY

DEBORAH AWE

 

Thank you for taking time to read my story and support this cause!

My name is Deborah Awe and I am 8years old. I am a pupil at Brentwood Preparatory School.

 

I was first struck with the idea of fundraising for charity on an encounter that I had with a girl called Daisy. While I went with my parents to a shop in Finsbury Park where my dress for my First Holy Communion was ordered, there, we met one other parent that came with two of their daughters, equally for the collection of their dresses for the same occasion – First Holy Communion.

 

At first, it wasn’t very clear for whom those dresses were, since Daisy was there with her sister, Emily. We all started to try our dresses on; and while I was all there trying to pull up all my clothings to get the dress fitted on, there I saw Daisy’s dad rushing in to get her clothes off. I was amazed by what I saw. Daisy had all sorts of “things” on her. The looks was very terrifying! As I wanted to ask questions, I was at different times stopped by my parents, but my curiosity became so much that I could not continue to hold up. My first reaction was, what could have happened to her, but I knew only her parents could satisfy my urge to know more about Daisy. So after trying my dress on, I requested to use the toilet; there, I knew I could voice out to my mum and plead with her to allow me find out about Daisy’s condition.

 

Surprisingly she agreed! I came back and asked Daisy’s dad how old Daisy was, and he replied; 8 years old. But he knew I wanted to know more obviously, looking at the reactions on my face, then, he continued that Daisy was diagnosed with a rare condition from birth, which means that life expectancy for Daisy is so short. Daisy is expected to live possibly till her 13th birthday. While he went on, I discovered that Daisy didn’t make any attempt to move, so I asked why she was not coming to her dad since they’ve equally finished with the fittings, so he went on… Daisy could neither walk nor talk and that she requires a round the clock care and attention.

 

I looked at myself, and said why, but just then, her mum walked in, and hearing what we were discussing about, immediately, her eyes were soaked and realising that my question could be too emotional, I decided to end the conversation.

 

We all said goodbye; Daisy's sister, Emily, then asked how old I was, and I said 7 years old, and she said she was 7 years old at the time too. I promised I would probably see them again; may be on our dress collection day, as I believe we were to collect our dresses the same day, but sadly, this wasn’t the case. Although, I regretted that we had no contacts for Daisy on one hand, but in actual fact, didn’t want to be too much on that on the other hand, considering the agony that that might cause them! The last I saw of Daisy was being carried back into their van by her dad.

 

For much curiosity, I went on to read more and also opportune to see broadcasted programmes on Great Ormond Street Hospital, where children as young as weeks old, or a times, even days old being operated on; and even many with life limiting or life threatening illnesses and severe disabilities; I was completely shocked and dumbfounded, then thought, that wherever possible, I will start to raising money for such kids with such limitations and deprivations. More touching, is seeing some of them dying; even after undergoing such difficult surgery, which they had hope would give them a better life. It was that scary!

 

To this end, I went online to see on any possible way one could be of more help, so came across the charity - The Dream Factory. I read about the Dream Factory, and was impressed about its works and activities; giving hope to the hopeless and brightening the lives of such children and young adults with life threatening, life limiting illnesses or severe disabilities. They do this by making a wish, and making such wish a reality; so I donated all of my gifts that I received for my First Holy Communion to The Dream Factory. This is an Essex based charity that has till date made more than 200 dreams come true! I have since attended many of its events and hope to continue to support its cause wherever I can.

 

Nickelodeon however, has been very generous after writing to them, and was touched by my story; and so, in furtherance to the above, I am hosting a fundraising event for the Dream Factory again, with the support from my School, and that of my classmates; we hope to raise substantial amount, to support this charity in its quest to bringing smiles on the faces of such children with either life limiting conditions, severe disabilities or life threatening illnesses. Hope this story could touch someone’s heart to help support this cause!

 

The fundraising event is on the 13th December 2013 at Brentwood Preparatory School Middleton Hall Lane Brentwood. CM15 8EQ. This will be with a special appearance from SpongeBob, courtesy of Nickelodeon.

 

Your kind support in any way you can, to join and support us in our quest to help other deprived children will profoundly be appreciated.

 

Please help put smiles on these children’s faces and join to make their dreams come true!

 

Thank you

 

Deborah Awe.