On the 14th February 2014, our beautiful little cousin Rhianna was rushed to hospital with a severe brain haemorrhage. The extent of the brain damage left her breathing on life support but in a coma like state. After it was decided to take her off the life support machine, Rhianna retained the lowest level of brain functioning and was able to breathe without help, but not much else. She was taken to be cared for in Helen & Douglas House Children's Hospice - who also provided living space for her family; our Uncle and Auntie and their little boy, seven-year-old Kievan. Two months later on Easter Monday Rhianna danced to heaven, aged just 4.

We (Jenny, Kate, Rachael, Sophie, Isla and Niamh) are six of Rhianna's older cousins, who were shocked and greatly saddened by the loss of our beloved youngest cousin. In memory of her and in order to raise money for Helen & Douglas House Children's Hospice we are going to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 5th 2014.

Sophie was involved from the night Rhianna went to hospital, to her last days with us at Helen & Douglas House. She witnessed just how much Helen & Douglas House did for our family and especially our Auntie and Uncle. The wonderful staff were there for Rhianna and her family's every need and the specially designed facilities meant that our Auntie, Uncle and Rhianna's brother could stay with Rhianna for as long as needed. Although the time spent at the hospice was filled with an unimaginable sadness for Rhianna's parents, the care and support they received lightened their load and helped them through these tragic events. The hospice is currently raising money for renovations and we hope that the money we raise will go towards helping another little family like Rhianna's in their time of need, as we were helped in ours. 

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