Following Andrew's sudden, tragic death in a car crash last month, aged just 42, we have been put in touch with a wonderful charity who helps support children who have lost parents, and parents who have lost children. The Laura Centre is a fantastic place and is helping Natasha and Joseph through their grieving process. At just 9 and 6 they have been completely devastated by losing their beloved father. Although life goes on for his family and friends, there will always be a huge void in our lives and hearts.

I also would like to take this opportunity to send my love to friends who lost a parent at a young age, and to far too many of you that have lost a child over the last few years. Although my sense of loss personally and that of my children is profound, I can't imagine anything more unbearable than the death of a child. My heart goes out to you all, with the reminder that your loss remains in my thoughts. I hope that love and friendship continue to carry you gently through the worst times.

Natasha, Joseph and I have decided to help raise funds for 'The Laura Centre' as part of the Leicester Mercury TLC Campaign - They have a target of £50,000 to reach over the Christmas period for this wonderful charity.

We invited everyone to place a star on our 'Wishing Tree' during our school carol concert, with a collection for 'The Laura Centre'.

 Natasha and Joseph have already raised almost £140 themselves, by carol singing around Narborough and are doing odd jobs and errands for people in the run up to Christmas. Joseph even popped his 'tooth fairy' money straight in the collection box when he lost his first tooth on Friday. He did it with such pride and conviction, it was really humbling and reduced me to tears! 

We would love it if you would join us in raising as much as we can over the Christmas period, making a donation, however small, or by sponsoring the children in singing to at least one household for every donation!

It would be lovely if you could leave a little message remembering someone you have lost, or wishes to those who need a little extra support this Christmas. A reminder that none of us are entirely alone and that there is always someone to turn to.

The children have decided they would like to share their special poem with you. They wrote it between them for Andy's funeral. I hope it makes you smile. I'm so proud of them and I know their Dad would be bursting with pride.

A poem for Dad by Natasha and Joseph

 

We love you Daddy.

Every day and night we think of you up in heaven where we know you can see us and it makes us cheerful and sad.

 

Love you up to the highest point of the Universe and more.

Oh Dad, I want to be like you when I grow up,

Very good at cricket and sports.

Everybody loved you, and we love you to bits.

 

Your star will be the brightest and your heart will be the lightest.

Old and hairy, no not really, young and handsome, that’s our Dad,

Under the stars you’ll stay as you are, never wrinkly, old or sad!

 

Dad you made us laugh, keeping fit and strong,

Always eating fish and leaves, although they really pong!

Dancing, laughing, singing and partying,

Dad you loved your family and friends.

Your cheeky boy and your brown eyed girl, our love for you will never end.

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. It’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Just to let you know, as we have tagged this onto the Leicester Mercury appeal, they count donations only as total raised, as they cannot assume everyone has Gift Aided. Donating through JustGiving means that Gift Aid is claimed automatically on all donations and although this will not show on my target, you can check the real tally by clicking on Katy Bourne, under Page Owner.

So please help us now, don't put it off! You can even use your paypal account and it's so quick and easy. Make a difference this Christmas with even the smallest contribution. Every single pound helps x