On the 17th of August, members of our dance school will be walking a marathon (26.2 miles) to raise money for Derian House in memory of our two beautiful girls, Lauren and Hannah who we have sadly lost. Our hearts at LCAD were shattered on the 11th December 2019 when our beautiful Lauren passed away, then again on the 15th November 2024 when our joyful Hannah passed. All the staff and children at the dance school have been devastated by the loss of two beautiful dancing girls and we will always hold you both in our hearts. Please read below the messages from the parents of both girls for some information on why this cause is so important to them, their families and us at LCAD

Lauren:

Our daughter, Lauren, was a typical cheeky beautiful and healthy thirteen-year-old girl. She had a fun-loving sense of humour and spent her time involved with dance and drama classes or with her large group of friends. Then she caught the flu, which turned to sepsis. One minute she was led on the settee at home, watching Modern Family and complaining about the flavour of Lucozade she had been bought, less than 12 hours later she was fighting for her life at Alder Hey. A fight that unfortunately she was to lose, less than six days later. Over the last 5 years we have relied upon lots of people for support and we have been lucky to have been surrounded by loving friends and family. We have also been supported, as a family, by Derian House. Lauren was at Derian House before her funeral and the family support we have received from the since has been indispensable. Having the team at Derian House there to rely on has been a great help to our family and I am sure for countless others.

Hannah:

Hannah was a joyful girl, full of laughter, love and hugs! The joy she carried was infectious; everyone she met and knew speaks of her great joyfulness and the vast love she had for her family and friends. Hannah was a dog adoring, dance loving, creative soul.

As Hannah’s parents, Derian House has quickly become a charity close to our hearts as they welcomed us to stay with her after she suddenly and unexpectedly died in November by offering us their Sunflower Room (cold bereavement room). We spent a week in their care and they were like Angels on Earth caring for Hannah, us and our families. The aftercare and support since Hannah died has been exceptional, from specialist counselling, hollistic therapy, support groups and someone just at the end of the phone to meet up with and talk to. Hannah was an exceptional case for Derian House by how she suddenly passed away but nether the less they have taken us under their wing, which has truly been a blessing. On the day we arrived, the member of staff who met us and settled us in said ‘once you come into the Derian House family, you will always be part of the Derian Family.’ Just like family, they have and are still helping us through the toughest of days. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the generous donations from made by friends, family and strangers. The government only gives hospices 1.3million pounds a year yet they all need £6million+ to run.

Any donations towards our walking marathon for Derian House would be greatly appreciated in honour of our dancing girls. Lauren and Hannah, we miss you every single day and we know you’re dancing up in heaven💙🩷