Heavenly Stars

Heavenly Stars was started by my friend and her husband in memory of their son who died after surgery to remove a brainstem tumour, before which he had already endured tests and surgery for a condition called Pyloric Stenosis Baby Callum died at just four months old.  Another friend of mine, who also runs the charity, lost her daughter Ellie to a rare genetic disorder at approx 18 months old. 
Heavenly Stars was set up in loving memory of Callum and Ellie to help raise money to support families faced with the unthinkable task of caring for a life limited child (“life limited” means those children with a medical or genetic condition that significantly reduces their life expectency) either directly or through local children’s Hospices/Hospital Department.  Reg. Charity no. 1127948, www.heavenlystars.org.
The race was the Great South Run, a 10 mile road race, on 25 October 2009.  I managed to raise the magnificent sum of £600, which included £50 raised by Callum and Ellie’s elder siblings, and my son, by running a cake stall at their primary school. 
I was surprised (and slightly embarassed) to be called to school assembly a couple of weeks later to be presented with a bouquet of flowers by the children to say well done!  The Headteacher also asked me to talk to the children about the race.  I tried to impart how we can help other people, and how they had helped by buying cakes at the cake staff.  It didn’t matter how long I took to do the race, I just wanted to raise money to help. 
I cannot imagine the unbearable thought at the loss of a child and believe we should all give  something back to this world.  The strength and positivity of my friends is not something I’m sure I could find.

Carol