My Story

OXFORD HALF MARATHON RAISING MONEY FOR HELEN & DOUGLAS HOUSE.

***4 Olivia***

On Sunday 13th October I, alongside seven of my friends will be running the Oxford half marathon to raise money for Helen & Douglas House.

Helen & Douglas House are an end of life hospice who help local families cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or child who will pass away prematurely.

The eight of us running will be dedicating this run to my late Niece Olivia who sadly lost her life on Christmas day with Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer. Olivia had her fourth birthday only two days earlier. 

Olivia had battled cancer twice previously however, the third diagnosis was a battle too many.

We were given the news on 19th November of last year to say that Olivia had only 48 hrs left to live. Olivia was then transferred to Helen & Douglas House in Oxford from John Radcliffe hospital. There she fought and would remain for just over two weeks before being given the green light to return home, something we never expected. Olivia managed to hold on for 5 weeks in total before passing peacefully in her own bed.

Throughout the 4 years my beautiful niece was with us, she had to go through so much in relation to her cancer but she showed us all how strong she was to the very end.

Please help me to raise money for this really amazing charity. Without donations they would not be able to continue doing the fantastic job they are for the children and their families that need them.

Without Helen & Douglas House, my Sister Gemma, alongside her Partner Liam wouldn’t have had as much care, support and time with Olivia. They provided a flat to sleep, food and even the simplest thing.. a cup of tea. All so that our main priority could be making our final days made special for our pretty girl and so that all of the family could remain at Olivia’s side. We even celebrated her Birthday and Christmas there, in which the staff rallied around to get decorations and lights.

I know money is tight for most, and i would just like to ask, even if you could only spare a pound or two, then i would be most grateful. Never did we think we would have to go through anything like this or use a charity such as Helen & Douglas, but they gave so much and we as a family will be forever grateful to them. This is just my way to try and give something back, back to the charity and for any families in the future knowing that what is raised is helping them how it helped us.

💕Olivia Rose Kearns 💕
    23/12/19 - 25/12/23