Caroline's Angel Aida

Hi, my name is Phoebe, but this story isn't about me. This story is about a mother and daughter, of determination and bravery, happiness and heartbreak.

My sister-in-law Caroline lost her baby girl, Aida Elizabeth, after four days in Bristol PICU. Aida was three weeks shy of her 3rd birthday. One I'm sure she was thrilled to bits about! You see, Aida was no ordinary little girl - she was a rainbow of happiness. A true little unicorn, changing the lives of everyone she met. Aida danced her way through her days, singing her sweet little songs and loving on those around her. And despite being born with a limb difference, she did her daily dance with determination and a smile. With the perfect balance of grace, sass and sweetness, she left those lucky enough to meet her with a new outlook on life. 1) There's always something to be happy about, 2) Kindness is contagious, and 3) Love because there's nothing sweeter.

If you know Caroline, then you know where Aida got it from. But for those of you who don't know, my sister-in-law is superhuman. A single mother of eight, she can do and does it all. She works a full-time job while juggling everyone's schedules, housework and social life. Caroline organises and throws the best birthday parties and bakes the most incredible cakes. We have a family joke that she's the oracle, as she can answer just about any child-related question. She has always made time for me and followed through with any promises. She never forgets a birthday or special occasion - a memory of an elephant! Caroline is one of the most selfless and giving people I've ever met and has the most incredible life force. Choosing to leave a toxic relationship and start a new life for her family showed bravery beyond measure. Now she needs to harness that bravery to push on and continue creating her dream life for her family.

Such a tragedy a mother should never have to face. Such heartache no one should ever have to endure. My hope in fundraising is to alleviate some of Caroline's stress as a single mum to provide for her family in this time of sorrow. To give the whole family time to breathe, spend time with each other, and remember sweet, sweet Aida. To help keep the family thriving as best they can and to memorialise Aida the way she deserves to be.

Even the smallest one can change the world. -Peter Rabbit