On May 10th this year my ex-husband (Neil) and I received news that his younger sister Helen had passed away unexpectedly, at the tender age of 34. Helen was a single parent and leaves behind her 3 gorgeous children, Lewis 14, Bobbi 13, and Alex 11. We were living in Australia at the time, so at short notice had to return to the UK to help organise the funeral and be there to offer emotional support. Watching Neil's bond with the boys and seeing it get stronger every day, it became clear that taking the children on permanently was the only thing to do, so we upped sticks and moved back to the UK.

Helen was an amazing mother, who gave every ounce of energy she had to making sure the boys were happy and well cared for. In losing Helen, Lewis, Bobby and Alex lost their best friend and partner in crime, a hole we can never fill. I have been so proud watching the boys survive and thrive through this difficult time and witnessing my best friend take on the role of caring for them. Neil and the boys are amazing, but this has been incredibly difficult both emotionally and financially. Although they've all been so strong, I think the chance to get away at Christmas (an especially tough time with Helen's birthday on 19th December and her overwhelming absence on Christmas Day) would give them the most essential break, both mentally and physically.

So, I have set up this page to fulfil a lifelong dream of Helen's and to give the boys a once in a lifetime holiday to Hawaii and do some essential maintenance to their home. Neil and I also have 2 children of our own and we have become an unconventional, but amazing family over the last 4 months. Neil and Helen were planning a holiday for all of the children next year, as she's never been able to afford to take the boys away on her own and with Neil now supporting 7 people, I would love to still be able to give them this gift.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for all your support, you have my infinite gratitude <3

Love and blessings.

Candice, Neil, Lewis, Bobby, Alex, Isabella and Finely Reid