Brightest Star is an amazing small charity based in Glasgow, which is very close to my heart. They support families that have gone through the loss of their child.

My friend Arlene set up the charity because she couldn't find the support that she needed, when she needed it most. Her son died aged 5 years old, just 6 days before his 6th Birthday and just before Christmas.

Child bereavement in the early days isn't well supported, so she set up a support group and started fundraising to fund a family ambulance that allows a family member to travel with the patient, something that she was unable to do. She also funds memory boxed for bereaved parents that includes a blanket, to small teddies (one for the parent and one for the child) a camera, an inkless kit to take the child's hand and feet prints and a small secure box to place a lock of the child's hair. The charity also funds a voucher for the parents to receive a silver charm with their child's hand engraved print on it. This can then be attached to a bracelet or necklace. 

The charity has been going on for 10 years. 

It was 10 years ago on the 3rd Mary 2013 that my son, Andrew Ferrier aged 8 1/2, fell asleep in my arms. 

It was 12 weeks from the time that he was diagnose with a brain tumour till he passed away. He was such a fighter and full of life but this was one fight he didn't win. He had an operation to remove the tumour that removed 80% of it and the doctor told me that he would be fine and that he didn't need anymore treatment. What they didn't know was that the tumour started spreading and a few weeks later he was back in hospital while they fought to save his life. But in the end there was nothing more they could do and I brought him home to pass away surrounded by the people that loved him.

He was such an amazing wee boy, and I was so privileged to have him in my life and to have been his mother. He was full of laughter and smiles and mischief. Such mischief I can't tell you!! He was so handsome with his blue eyes and dirty blonde hair and such a smile. He had some amazing friends that are growing up to be amazing young men and women, they still tell stories about him when they remember him and laugh at the stories, which fills my heart with love for all of them. 

After he died I was so lost and I tried to get support to help me survive but I was turned away and told it was too soon to give me any support. I would never had made those 6 months. Then I cam across Brightest Star and their bereavement group. When I walked into that room the first time it was such a relief to talk to people that had lost their children, it felt like I could let the mask fall and talk openly and honestly and they understood. Some of those people are still my friends and we still support each other. It didn't matter how old your child was, or when you lost them or even how they died, everyone was made welcome. 

So for these reasons and to keep helping people in their darkest moments of their life I am asking for you to sponsor me and help this charity keep going so that they can help others like me. 

Thank you 

Lorna (Andrew's mummy)