Everyone knows how much the Downing family mean to me. While most of my immediate family is scattered throughout the world, upon moving to the UK, my aunt and cousins made me feel like I always had a home and a safe place to turn to. My aunt is my English mum, and my cousins are my English siblings. Harriet was a piece of home that I grew attached to and loved dearly. She taught me how to make mac and cheese, she refuelled my love for Sudoku (Haz is the original sudoku queen) and she was always there to give the best hugs when needed.

After five years of fighting cancer with such fierce bravery, my cousin, Harriet, passed away on August 13th, 2021. Harriet lived her life to the absolute fullest right up until the end. She was the most caring, generous and courageous woman, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I will forever feel lucky to have had her in my life. 

Throughout her illness over the last five years, her sense of humour and positivity never wavered. Her astonishing strength and determination meant she defied multiple prognoses and survived beyond the belief of many medics. But in the end, her brain tumour had spread so far and she had exhausted every single avenue of treatment.

In memory of Harry, on the 24th of October, I will be walking 40km because brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer in children and adults under 40. She was so passionate about sharing her story and raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity and other charities. I hope to raise over £2,500 for the Brain Tumour Charity to honour Harry's life.