Help Us Support LOROS: In Memory of Mum - Irene Dawson

Why I'm Raising Funds

In the early hours of Saturday, 5th October, at 3:20 am, we lost Mum after a heart-wrenching battle with cancer. Our lives were upended in just five short weeks, going from what doctors initially diagnosed as a frozen shoulder to discovering Mum had an aggressive rare form of cancer. The disease spread swiftly from her gall bladder and liver into her stomach, lungs, and eventually her bones. Her left arm, fractured and undetected by the NHS, was a source of unbearable pain. Each day saw her condition worsening, with no relief even from the strongest doses of morphine. Yet mum remained brave and we tried our best to also keep smiling.

Mum's deepest wish was to be cared for at LOROS hospice. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, a time during which dad and I were afflicted with Covid and sadly couldn't visit her, her wish was granted, and she was given a bed at LOROS.

What LOROS Means to Us

LOROS was nothing short of a sanctuary. Their care extended beyond anything we could have imagined, providing help, compassion, and dignity in abundance. Mum felt heard, loved, and comforted. They not only supported her but also offered us as a family much needed kindness, with cups of tea, meals, and comforting hugs on hand. Nothing was too much trouble for the incredible staff. Even when 5 of us slept by mums bedside for nights they offered pillows, blankets, comfort and laughter.

What struck us profoundly was the sight of empty beds at LOROS. This remarkable hospice relies on donations to operate, offering its services for free, but sadly, not everyone in need can be accommodated due to lack of funds. I firmly believe no family should endure what we have gone through:- misdiagnoses, lost time, and profound heartbreak, but getting Mum a bed was like winning the lottery. LOROS turned an incredibly tough time into something as bearable as it could be, and for that, we are immeasurably grateful.

How You Can Help

To honour Mum's memory and the exceptional care she received, I'm asking for your help to raise funds for LOROS. It costs approximately £1,000 per day to provide for one bed, and I am committed to raising enough money so that another family can experience the same love and care as we did. This is my way of giving back and helping ensure that others in need receive the same incomparable support.

Mum touch many lives, making costumes for 1000's of performers, caring for many and being there as a friend. She was an incredible mum and wife who was selfless to the core and an amazing sister to her family.

Please join me in supporting LOROS. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving another family the gift of compassionate care. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

90p of every £1 donation goes directly to the care patients receive and I can promise you from the bottom of my heart its worth every single penny.

All my love,

Nat xx