It's been a while hasn't it? I'm not sure quite where my blog is or isn't going at the moment, but I wanted to share something that is happening on Saturday. My husband Stu is shaving his head for the charity Mummy's Star in memory of his late cousin Alys. Stu has had long hair for the last 13 years, I've never seen anything but photos of him with short hair, and this Saturday, the whole lot is coming off! I've chucked some photos in this post to show off his mane so you can see why it's a big deal for him.
Mummy's Star are an incredible charity. To quote their website, 'Mummy's Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting pregnancy through cancer and beyond. Your donation means that women diagnosed with any cancer during pregnancy or within a year of a birth are able to reach Mummy's Star and the specialised support they offer. They help families to meet others in a similar position, offer small grants to relieve some financial burden, give support to partners and the wider family, promote awareness and support research.
We aim to be in a position where any woman presenting with cancer during pregnancy/post birth at any hospital nationally is referred to Mummy’s Star and accesses the support we offer.'
Why Mummy's Star? I've taken Stu's words from his fundraising page to explain why -
'Alys was born at ROUGHLY the same time that I was adopted. Her, and her 2 brothers Dan and Craig were my 1st, and my longest standing friends as well as part of a very close family. We spent most school holidays together, as well as frequent weekends at our grandparents house. As we grew older real life intervened, however the annual family reunions always gave us a chance to reconnect, and Alys was always completely instrumental in the organising of these. Her 20+ person xmas dinners (prepared with the help of my sister Ella) will go down as the stuff of legends.
To say Alys was inspiration would be a gross understatement. Through every step of this vile illness she blogged in a way which gave not only fellow patients, but as as family and friends so much insight, laughs, tears, and comfort with all she was going through. She kept the bravest of faces on for so much of the time, not just for herself, but for those around her, and fought with everything she had.
She left behind not just us, but a husband and her son Teddo, who is SO like her it is unreal. Every time you look at that little man she just shines out of him, both in appearance, and the cheekiest grin you probably ever saw... he definitely got that from her.
The support they all received from this amazing charity has made a horrible time just a little bit better for them, and at the end of the day, it's things like that that make a difference. We all miss that girl every single day, and if through this, I can give a little back, I like to think she'd approve. I broke £1400 when I shaved my beard a few years ago so have set a minimum target of £1500 for this. I'm not in any particular rush to get it done so ultimately it's down to all you lovely people how quickly it happens. We Love you Al xx'
If you'd like to donate, this is Stu's fundraiser https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart-morris36
If you'd like to read Aly's incredible (and I warn you, absolutely heartbreaking) blog, I highly recommend having your tissues at the ready https://bestalys.com/. Alys's last post was May 6th 2019, and sadly, she left this world on 1st June 2019, at the age of 41.
Much love,
Kitty xxx
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