In Memory of Natty B and Support of Anna

I know she will hate me doing this; so please forgive me Anna Lou. It comes from the best place xx

 

As friends, extended friends and family you will all have heard of the sad passing of our little warrior prince Nathan on Wednesday 24th November. We are all absolutely heartbroken and the loss of our dear boy will be felt deeply by all his family and friends but no more than his incredible mama Anna.

 

Our special boy bought so much joy to so many with a fan base from far and wide that was truly engaged and supportive through his whole life.

 

Nathan's complexities meant that Anna has lovingly and fully dedicated the last 17 years of her life to providing Nathan with the most incredible level of care, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week with little or no respite.

 

I know I can confidently speak for all her inner circle when I say I literally don’t know how she has managed. The levels of exhaustion and stress, especially over the past 2 years have just been unfathomable.

 

Anna you really are, ours and especially Nathans hero. A real-life wonder woman, knowing more than most doctors about Nathan's condition, cracking on with it and all the while keeping your sense of humour and fun-loving spirit. Even finding space to hold the rest of us when life has thrown us our own curve balls. I honestly couldn’t love or respect you more.

 

OK…. So lots of you have been asking me “should we send flowers?” “would she like a spa day?” but mainly “How can we help?” .......Well here’s how:

 

What most people don’t realise that once your special needs child passes away your whole world gets turned upside down. You have a very short window of time before you:

 

• Lose your disability benefits

• Your child tax credit stops

• Your car (mobility vehicle) is taken away from you

 

Plus the really lovely bit: Anna will have to sell and move out of her and Nathan’s home.

 

There are also some funeral costs to be covered.

 

17 Years of being a full-time carer and in the depths of grief you are expected to immediately start job hunting and find a new place for yourself in the world?!? Its savage. I know this has all been a massive added layer of worry for her over the past few months as Nathan’s health started to decline.

 

So wonderful friends if you were thinking of flowers, this is a way way more useful thing to do and I know (even though she probably won’t speak to me for a day or so for setting this up) if you can support Anna in this way through this very very hard time it would be a massive help.

 

Thank You …. Jessie Lou and Team Natty B xxx