Niamh had just turned 3 when she passed away on 29th September 2011, the day of the Archangels in Acorns Children Hospice.

Niamh was a very healthy and happy toddler. In October 2010, soon after her second birthday, Niamh was diagnosed with a very aggressive and very large brain tumour. It was a big shock to us all. One minute we had a beautiful, healthy and happy little girl, the next our Niamh was lying in intensive care unconscious. Niamh had three surgical procedures to remove the tumor, four rounds of Chemotherapy and another three surgical procedures to relieve a build up of cerebrospinal fluid in her head. After the fourth round of chemotherapy Niamh's cancer had progressed. With very few options, Niamh then started a long course of radiotherapy. Six weeks later, on 10th August, four days before Niamh’s third birthday, we were told, that, despite the radiotherapy, the tumour had continued to grow. Niamh’s consultant told us that he did not believe that Niamh could be cured. We looked for further treatments but there were no more that we were prepared to put her through. We were told that Niamh only had weeks to live.

We spent the last 6 weeks of Niamh’s life in the excellent care of Acorns Children’s Hospice where Niamh got to enjoy the best possible time with her sister Emilie. Niamh and Emilie enjoyed their daily swim in the hydrotherapy pool. We are so grateful and will always be to Acorns for giving us the opportunity to share special family moments at a very difficult time.

Acorns have since remained very close to us as a family. The staff and volunteers have been fantastic not only to us, Niamh's parents, but also to Niamh's sister Emilie, her grandparents, aunties and extended family.   

On 21st October, some friends and I will run the half marathon in memory of Niamh and her little friend Cody. We will be thinking of all the children who spend time in Acorns and other hospices, for palliative care or respite care as well as their families.

Throughout their harsh battle with cancer, Niamh and Cody showed admirable strength and resilience, they were both an inspiration to us all and they will always continue to be one. I know they will be with us on the day and take us to the finishing line.

http://niamhsilk.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.bechildcanceraware.org/2012/02/niamhs-story-by-her-mom-helene/

All of Acorns services are free of charge to families and they receive limited financial support from the Government. 70% of their funding comes from local community support. It costs £7500 per day to run each hospice. That is why they need us, all of us to raise money so they can continue to do the amazing work they do.