Dear new friends and old friends, family of blood, and those like family, dear those that we do not yet know, but one day look forward to hearing from, I address this to anyone that is able to take the time to read this.

Our beautiful mum, and special friend, Karine Campbell, has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Like any family, we never thought this would and could happen to us. This is the most devastating news we have ever had in our whole lives. The wonderful news that she wants to be made utterly clear, is that its been caught early, is treatable and we are entirely hopeful she is going to live a normal, healthy life into her 100’s, or forever.

She is a therapist with a whole host of impressive qualifications in healing, including Natural Nutrition, Bowen Technique, Aromatherapy to name but a few, which of course, she has had to stop practicing, being her only financial income. She has lived a great lifestyle for years with an outstanding conscious approach, vegan, smoke and alcohol free, with regular walks in the countryside. She is only 50. She’s been taking me and Amber to festivals since we were young children and engaging with alternative ways of living, she home educated us on her own and we are both doing degrees. She is an exceptional mother, and as many would agree, a wonderful friend.

I myself, Haylee, am starting my final year at university as a knitwear designer because, though I sincerely regret to say, if I do take a break to support mum, I will not obtain my degree I have worked so hard for in the last two years. Amber, has postponed starting her art degree until next year to become mums carer over the coming months, although all her friends begin their courses now. She is being a shining star as those of you that know her will not be in the least surprised to hear. Most of our family are spread across Scotland, a twelve hour journey, making it quite difficult for everyone involved to give the support we all need to be able to give her right now. There are a few in the area but a point we all feel has come up through her diagnosis, is that we need help from others so to not stretch those immediately available so thin.

She is, however, keeping very lively spirits, discussing how we will celebrate when we come out the other side of this. Climbing mountains in various countries every year marking anniversaries of freedom - I can’t wait to one day do Everest basecamp with her, our aspirations are high. To share our successes with our mum, like Amber graduating from university, and myself getting an internship in Paris. To hike The Munroes in Scotland, and I expect to party hard at Boomtown for many, many more years to come. Whilst discussing writing this with her, she also points out grandchildren and holiday homes in Italy.

So, we have an action plan. The diagnosis is in such early stages that we are looking at it being resolved with an operation. So we are trying to create a programme to support her recovery, and at this point we are looking at all viable options Some of these may require expensive consultants, as well as various treatments, equipments, supplements and we are looking at complimentary therapies to optimise the outcome.

This is by no means an extensive list, but currently this is what we are working to raise funds for:

-to maintain her specialist diet consisting of high quality organic plant based foods

-herbs, supplements and concentrated plant oils

-bridging the financial gap from loss of earnings to state support

-travel to and from hospital appointments

-transport, fuel, taxis, etc

-seeking advice from complimentary consultants specialising in cancer

-water filters for the taps and showers

-water distillers

-Infrared sauna

-colonics

-Bowen, Homeopathy, and Acupuncture

-supporting Amber as a carer

Unfortunately, this is a few of the additional expenses we can foresee at the moment, which we will struggle with and any financial support, or otherwise, however great or small, will be enormously appreciated. Further fundraising suggestions, voluntary care to give Amber a break such as morale boosting, coming and making tea and supporting with housework.We welcome experienced suggestions and friendly visits.

Mum also specifically wants to ask people to join us in our positive thoughts, prayers and loving support, because together we will beat this.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading. We will keep you updated.