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7 years ago today I came across an outpouring of tributes on my Facebook feed for a young woman named Emma Jane Kingston. I discovered she had passed away from a life limiting genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. The gene affected by CF controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. People with cystic fibrosis experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body.

After reading so many tributes I could instantly see what an incredible influence she had on so many lives and just how loved she was. Little did I know that this very special young woman was about to change my entire life. To give you a more personal view into how influential she was at this time I’m going to share with you several blogs I wrote around this time in 2013.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Emma Jane Kingston

I felt the need to write all of this up down to the fact it's inspired me beyond belief, made me incredibly sad and altered the way I look and act upon life.

Yesterday an INCREDIBLE young women passed away, her name is Emma Kingston. I didn't know Emma, I didn't even have the honour of meeting her, but knowing of her existence and what she stood for has blown me away.

I have NEVER felt like this over someone I didn't know passing away. I guess it is the unfortunate circumstances and her young age, but most importantly to me it was her radiating personality and strength. I watched a brief news report on her and my jaw hit the floor on how optimistic and brave she was and I admire that endlessly.

To all the friends, family and people that new her personally my deepest condolences. I have known of her since yesterday and it's broken my heart so I can't begin to imagine what you all must be going through.

I want to thank Emma for changing the direction I look at life to being more appreciative, humble, outgoing and not taking life for granted in the slightest.. Everyday is a new day so live it to the MAX!

I saw she wanted to run a marathon and live life to the fullest, there really is no one more deserving in my eyes that deserves life more than her.

In her memory and honour I will live my life to the fullest and do it to the best of my ability. You will always be in my heart and my mind no matter what the challenge and WE will overcome any obstacle. With your never ending strength and courage, thank you so much for being you and inspiring so many.

Together WE will live the dream. LIFE.

Rest in peace you incredible young women.

Jack

I remember for so many nights after this I’d say to myself.. ”Ahh what have you done to me, Emma?!” and then I’d smile. She very quickly became my role model. She taught me to be brave, she taught me to focus on the things that matter and most of all she taught me not to take anything in this life for granted. From the food on our plate to the most priceless gift of all. Our health. If you have your health you are among the wealthiest people on this planet. Never forget that.

The first time I ever got to meet Emma was at her funeral. I was incredibly nervous and couldn’t escape the thought I wouldn’t be welcome. Some of her close friends put my mind at ease and what was to come was a day I’ll never forget.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Emma's send off.

I've been sat here staring at a blank page for ages trying to figure out how I'm meant to word this and if I'm doing it right.. I'm going to write exactly what I've felt and experienced today.

What I experienced today was truly INCREDIBLE.

From the moment I stepped out of my car I felt very emotional, seeing so many people, and I mean HUNDREDS in bright colours and flowery head dresses made me smile a lot. To me, it didn't feel like a funeral. It felt like a celebration of a young women's life that had an everlasting effect on so many.

Standing in the warm sun and meeting some of Emma's family really made me realise something. Seeing and feeling that incredible energy radiating from them... With all the things I've read and heard about emma you can see ALL of these wonderful qualities bursting out of those closest to her. The saying really is true, you are like the people you surround yourself with and this is a prime example.

When the hurst pulled into the court yard everything fell silent. I felt a really weird heat running up and down my body, hairs on my neck standing on end.. Never felt that before.

When they took the casket into the chapel the song "a girl like you" by Edwyn Collins started to play and the words in that song are  beyond true. It's now on my phone and It will always remind me of her. Several times her family and friends mentioned "this is a perfect send off for her" I couldn't agree more. From hearing all the speeches to the wicked music and the mass of people there to celebrate her life. It was phenomenal.

At the end of the service I got the opportunity to say goodbye to her, also being the first time meeting her, Her casket was trimmed with beautiful flowers and pictures, surrounded by so many people. Once it came to my turn I felt as if i'd been shot, such a heart wrenching feeling shot through my body, I literally had no clue as in what to do. I kissed the tips of my fingers and placed them on the casket and said "Thank you for existing".

I felt an incredible amount today as well as having 10000000000000 thoughts running through my head. "Have I done this right? Have I done enough to pay my respect? Have I thought the right things? Should I have said this?". I think I did my best.

A lot went on when I was there and I may share a bit more in the future, It's difficult to put how I'm feeling/what I felt into words! The one thing I want to share is a line I put in the memory book at the end. "I live my life not believing in regrets but the one thing I would change would be meeting you."

To her family and friends, thank you for putting on a service granting me memories for a lifetime. Been in the presence of all of you has opened my eyes to how many incredible people walk this earth. I hope you all have incredible lives, appreciate every passing moment.

That brings me to you Emma Jane Kingston. You may not be here physically but you will never leave my heart and my mind. Your legacy will live on forever, the girl in her greatest struggles who ALWAYS had time to help others. I will pass your legacy on throughout my life. To my idol, to my inspiration and to my role model.

I was standing there today and thought to myself "would It be wrong of my to say this?" Then I thought "Well if you mean it, then do it.

I love you.

7 years on your influence on my life and so many others echos stronger than ever. This is only the beginning, Kingston! The world is going to hear your story because I’m going to shout it loudly and I’m going to shout it proudly! Let’s go change the world! ✨

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If you are still with me this far down I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story. The overall goal is to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and help take that step closer to finding a cure.

Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to donate towards this target. Any donation made of £5 or over will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a range of prizes from NXTUK ring worn gear, signed t-shirts, signed 8x10’s and more which will be drawn live on Instagram on Sunday 19th July. 

- Terms of raffle -

- The raffle will be drawn live on Instagram on Sunday 19th July. A list of prize winners will be posted on Instagram & Twitter shortly afterwards.

- Multiple raffle entrants are accepted. It will be £5 per entry. £10 for 2. £15 for 3 and so on.

- Donations made anonymously will not be entered into the draw.

- All prizes of merchandise are provided by the donor, meaning T-shirts are only in one size provided and can’t be exchanged for another size.

- All prizes will be drawn randomly. Prizes can’t be exchanged through the organiser and aren’t intended for resale. 

- Cost of postage and packaging will be covered independently to ensure all money raised goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.