Dear All,

Many of you will know that my dear son Louis died last year.

He had been very sick since 2006, and was often taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

These hospital visits could last for several days or even weeks at a time.

The Shooting Star Hospice in particular helped us through this incredibly difficult time.

Shooting Star is a UK charity that gives help and support to children just like Louis, with life-limiting conditions, and to their families.

They provide this service free of charge, 365 days (and nights) a year.

Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to give Louis the same quality of love and support during his extended hospital stays.

I was always able to be with Louis and hold his hand, day and night, so he knew he was safe – even though he wasn’t sleeping in his own bed at home.

As a family we want to say Thank You to Shooting Star by taking part in a sponsored walk.

This is where you come in…

On the 20^th June we will be setting off on the 3 Parks Walk to raise money so that the important work carried on by Shooting Star can continue.

We’re going to complete two of the park walks, which is a distance of 8 miles.

Mollie, my 5 year old daughter, wanted to walk all three parks – a massive 15 miles – but even though her heart is big enough for the challenge her little legs are not. (Not sure about mine either!)

No family should have to go through this experience, but without Shooting Star it would have been so much more difficult.

Samantha, John & Mollie