Aunt straps to an aeroplane to raise funds in memory of her niece
A brave aunt will be strapped to the wing of a flying aeroplane to raise money for Rainbows in memory of her niece.
On 19 June, Elisabeth Whitehouse, is taking on a Wing Walk in Northamptonshire in memory of Erinne Budd. She will be strapped to an aircraft soaring between 100ft and 700ft, reaching speeds of 80mph to 110mph.
Elisabeth is raising funds for us because we provided care and support for her niece, Erinne. Last June, seven-year-old Erinne, of Melton Mowbray, died from a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumour.
Elisabeth, of Tamworth, said: “Erinne died on June 18 last year and I wanted to do something to mark a year on, something that really would challenge me. I knew Erinne would sign me up for something like this as she knew I am a little bit crazy. I am not going to lie, it will be a real challenge but I will do it in memory of Erinne.
“I also want to raise as much as I can for Rainbows. Erinne had the most kind and generous heart and she always wanted to support Rainbows in any way she could. Last May, Erinne raised £88 for Rainbows.
“I know what Rainbows meant to Jenn, Chris and Erinne. I knew Erinne loved it there and the care they provided meant Erinne could stay at home and that is what everyone wanted. Rainbows were able to support Jenn and Chris’ wishes, and the team were just incredible. They were so professional and amazing, and it just makes me want to do more.”
When Erinne was diagnosed, Jenn and Chris, were told their daughter would have around six to 12 months to live. Erinne underwent radiotherapy and the family embarked on creating memories.
“Knowing that she was inevitably going to die, the priority was to give Erinne the best quality of life and cram a whole lifetime of stuff into what we had left with her,” said Chris.
“Rainbows was with us for every stage of Erinne’s journey and that was so important for us and Erinne,” said Jenn. “We simply couldn’t have managed our journey without Rainbows, and it was so much more than the facilities. My parents even go to the Grandparents Group, which is such a tremendous support to them and is so niche.
“Erinne loved Rainbows, it was a safe space. We couldn’t have coped in the way we did without Rainbows when Erinne was with us, when she passed away and to this day.”
In their darkest times, Jenn and Chris knew they wanted Erinne to spend her final days at home. Our highly skilled specialist nurses helped to make this happen.
Our Rainbows nurses’ expert use of a specialised ‘cool blanket’ made it possible for Erinne to stay at home after her death so her wider family could visit, give her a kiss and cuddle and say their goodbyes.
“The strong and incredible people are the fabric of Rainbows,” said Jenn. “The Hospice at Home team were brilliant. They were dignified and professional. They interacted with Erinne in the same way even after she passed away. It was a really beautiful way of being there, so supportive and we hugely respect that.
“If we could sum up Erinne, she was an amazing big character who was exceptionally kind to everyone and everything. We are looking forward to seeing Lis take on this challenge and we hope people are inspired by Erinne’s story to donate.”
To sponsor Elisabeth, visit Lis Whitehouse is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
To find out more about the Wing Walk, visit rainbows.co.uk/wingwalkjune