On Sunday 10th May, Gemma, Kevin and their two daughters, Fearne, 7, and Ivy, 3, will be walking a mile in memory of Finlay to raise funds for local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House.

Finlay’s Story

On 26 January 2012, Finlay was born with a major heart condition. “We didn’t know he had a heart condition until after he was born, so at just one day old he had a scan and was rushed to London so they could assess him,” says Mum, Gemma.

At this point, Finlay’s family were told that he would need at least three separate surgeries in the first five years of his life. “Sadly, Finlay’s condition deteriorated so he had surgery very quickly. They wanted to wait for the surgery, but his organs were shutting down so quickly they couldn’t wait any longer. The surgery was successful, but his recovery was uncertain. He fought for longer that the Doctors thought possible.”

At just three weeks and three days old, Finlay sadly passed away. “We weren’t ready to say goodbye and the team at the hospital knew that. They searched for a local children’s hospice where we could go, and they found Chestnut Tree House.”

The following day, the family went to Chestnut Tree House where they could spend some special time with Finlay and say goodbye in their own way. “At the time I was scared, I was expecting it to be like another hospital. But it wasn’t like that at all. It was bright and colourful, and there were lots of lovely smiley faces.”

“They looked after us there for two weeks, they supported us and they helped us plan Finlay’s funeral. But most importantly they made sure that we had time with Finlay”.

“Being there at Chestnut Tree House with Finlay was the most precious time for us, it meant that we could say goodbye in our own time. We are so grateful and always will be.”

Every year, the family still make sure that they visit their special place, Chestnut Tree House, on Finlay’s birthday. “We always take the children and their families presents. We also attend their Summer and Winter remembrance services. Some people may not understand why we go back every year, but it’s a real comfort to us, and we feel close to Finlay whilst we are there so of course we are going to go and visit, and we will carry on doing that forever.”

At the time of Finlay’s passing, the family lived in Brighton. “Finlay has a tree at Clayton Woods in Hassocks, so we are going to go for our daily exercise on Sunday 10 May to see his tree and go for a walk around the beautiful woodlands.”

“And we want you to join us too. We would love it if you could join us in spirit, walk around your local area and post a photo in the Facebook event group. Whilst you get your much-needed fresh air, please think about all the little angels. Not just Finlay, but others who have had or know someone who has been through bereavement.”

“Chestnut Tree House need your support now more than ever. I don’t know where we would be without them or their bereavement support over the years. I will be forever grateful.”

To support Gemma’s ’Mile in Memory of Finlay’, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-croucher3, and to share a photo of your mile in memory, visit the Facebook event here.