This year, on the 22nd May our beautiful daughter Olivia would have celebrated her 10th birthday. Every birthday, every milestone, and every special occasion is a reminder of the moments that should have been. Olivia remains at the heart of our family every single day and although she is no longer with us she continues to inspire us.

As Olivia’s 10th birthday approached, I found myself thinking less about fundraising and more about the little girl we love and miss everyday. Ten years feels like such a special milestone, and we wanted to take some time around her birthday to reflect, remember and celebrate Olivia. I knew I wanted to raise money in her memory, but I also knew there was no rush.

Now a few weeks on I feel ready to honour Olivia’s memory through a year of fundraising for a cause that has become deeply personal to our family. To mark what would have been Olivia’s 10th birthday, we are committing to a year of fundraising for the National Deep Brain Stimulation Service in Glasgow. It provides a national service for individuals with movement disorders in Scotland.

Just 18 months after losing Olivia, we faced another life changing challenge when my husband, Graham was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A retired police officer, Graham received his diagnosis just 3 months before he was due to retire. He had been looking forward to a new chapter in his life, spending more time with family, enjoying retirement and pursuing his passion for cycling. Parkinson’s has changed many of those plan’s.

The National Deep Brain Stimulation Service in Glasgow provides treatment for people living with complex neurological condition’s, including Parkinson’s disease. DBS is an advanced treatment that can help reduce symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and involuntary movements, improving quality of life and helping people maintain their independence for longer.

Through this year of fundraising, we want to celebrate Olivia’s life and create something positive from the heartbreak our family has experienced. By supporting the National DBS service, we hope to help others living with Parkinson’s and neurological conditions access the care and treatment they need.

Thank you for supporting us, for remembering Olivia, and for helping us make a difference in her memory.

The first event is on 5 July 2026 when my husband Graham and my 13 year old son Jack will be doing the highland fling bungee jump/swing at Killiecrankie.

Another event I have planned for 8th September is to climb three mountains all over 3000 feet high, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn & Skiddaw all in a day with a group of friends