I have been a best friend of Lisa since we were ten years old and lived next door to one another for many years in Links Way, Folkestone. Devastatingly, Katie, Lisa's sister, lost her fight to Cancer on the 24 April 2018, leaving behind her beloved children Imogen, Poppy, Olivia and Jacob. Lisa and Anton have decided to welcome Poppy and Olivia into their family to give them the love and security they now need until they are old enough to take their own paths in life. Jacob will remain with his Dad, but staying in touch with his sisters as he grows up. I desperately wanted to help in some way and decided instead of just thinking it, I would take action.

Those of you who knew Katie will know she was a kind, beautiful person, inside and out, who loved being a Mum, but also dedicated her career to the NHS becoming a Nurse Practitioner so that she could help others in their hour of need.

To safeguard the financial future of the children, Katie has left the house in Trust to them. The intention is that it will become home to Imogen and Mike, who are expecting their first child in June, for the time being. This will mean Poppy, Olivia and Jacob will still have access to the house that they know as home, with sleepovers and special times with their older sister Immo and their new neice/nephew when she/he arrives. Unfortunately, during the last eighteen months, Katie has been so ill that she has been unable to deal with the maintenance issues that house currently needs, nor did she have the funds. Many people have offered to help in a Big Build type of way, and anyone else who wants to offer their time will be made ever so welcome. I suggested that those who would like to be involved but, either don't have the time or skills would consider donating money instead. Or you can do both! This money will then be used to purchase the materials required to deal with the current issues, which include a leaking roof, plumbing issues and redecoration.

Thank you for reading my appeal. This is Katie's 'Hour of Need' please help me make a difference. Any amount of money you would like to donate will be used wisely and I will make sure it is overseen by Maggie and Graham. If we are lucky enough to have a surplus of money we will ensure it is banked and used for future maintenance issues as they arise.

Thank you Debbie x