Kind-hearted Gail to run in memory of niece Harriet

Harriet Sayers was born with a serious heart condition and in the lead up to her birth her parents Helen and Mark Sayers and her sister Lily, stayed with Helen’s sister and Harriet’s aunt, Gail Widdowson, in Chesterfield.

Gail, who is one of the family members running the April half marathon in Sheffield, said: “Helen and Mark were told the devastating news that Harriet had a serious heart condition through Helen’s pregnancy.

“For this reason, they needed specialist care and that was going to be at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“Staying with me meant the family could stay together and be close to Harriet instead of being split between home in Northern Ireland and Birmingham. It was a tough time and we really appreciated all the support we were given by friends and the local community in Chesterfield.”

Harriet was ventilated 24 hours after she was born and after 12 days in Birmingham, the tiny tot was transferred to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The family decided that it was important to have time and the right support, and to say goodbye in homely surroundings.

Gail said: “Bluebell Wood were amazing. The staff at Bluebell Wood made sure Harriet was comfortable and that everyone could share a little of that precious time.

“For me to see my sister and brother-in-law, as well as their three-year-old daughter, completely relax at Bluebell Wood was a massive relief. They just looked so peaceful, they were just so tired by then. Staff were there to help with all the practical things – being at Bluebell Wood made everything so much easier to deal with. We had time to all say bye properly.

“I knew that I wanted to do something for Bluebell Wood as Helen, Mark and our family were so well supported by the charity. It’s just good to give something back to a charity that’s helped us all so much. 

“Our combined fundraising sponsorship total for Bluebell Wood is £1,500. We would love to raise more money than this and I would be really grateful for any donations.” Visit: www.justgiving.com/gailwiddowson.