Tamsin Alana Stewart was born in Norwich on the 29th January 2001. She was a beautiful little girl and very happy. She loved having a big sister Shona to hug but also to tease. Tamsin knew her mind and wasn't afraid of anyone - toddler groups were definitely a challenge! Tamsin very quickly became a Daddy's girl and loved nothing more than to cuddle up with her Daddy. In 2003 we moved to Hampshire where we spent happy years watching the two girls grow up and go to school. Tamsin quickly caught Shona up in height and overtook her in shoe size. She became such a kind and caring child and a good example of this is when she started pre-school with her best friend who was Finnish and didn’t speak much English. Tamsin took time to look after her friend and teach her what to do in class, amazing for a three year old. Tamsin also took on the role of instigating games that involved talking to other adults or even neighbours. One particular memory is of Tamsin interrogating our neighbour and Shona keeping a record of all that was said in a notebook. Tamsin loved coming to Church, seeing Daddy up the front and going to Sunday school. She also enjoyed learning the actions to children’s songs and performing them. In the early years she would often come to Church in her police hat and her medal (or medical as T called it) hanging from her neck. 2007 was a very happy year with a trip to Finland visiting our friends and a special family holiday in the summer. On May 12th 2008, Shona's 9th birthday, Tamsin was diagnosed with a Pontine Glioma Brain Tumour. From the start we were told the treatment would be palliative care. Steve and I didn't know the journey we were in for but clung on to God throughout the next 8 months. Tamsin had an amazing faith which grew over the months and she loved nothing more than reading a story from her children's bible. Very quickly we were introduced to Christophers, one of the homes of Shooting Star Chase. It's the most amazing place and our children loved everything about it from the giant soft toys to the hydro pool. They couldn't wait until the next visit. Steve and I had a love/hate relationship with it, if only it hadn't been a hospice! As well as the visits to the hospice we were also offered community care support. Tamsin had a named nurse and support worker. This meant any questions or worries were quickly answered and the support worker would come and play with Tamsin so Mummy could have a break. By Dec 2008 we knew Tamsin's condition was deteriorating and by mid-Dec, Mummy and Tamsin moved to Christopher’s for her last few weeks. We couldn't have asked to be in a more wonderful place. I shared a room with Tamsin and as she slept more and more, I was able to occupy myself with building her lego dinosaur sets. The staff went out of their way to help us, going out to buy Tamsin special food, and being there to meet all Tamsin’s and my needs. As the end grew closer Steve and Shona moved into a flat upstairs where they received the same love and care as we had. Steve being a vicar meant we had visits from our local bishops and archdeacon. One poignant memory is just before Christmas, we took Tamsin in her bed into the garden room and placed it next to the huge Christmas tree. Bishop Christopher suggested Steve play Away in a Manger on his guitar as we sang along. Tamsin looked just beautiful and we knew that God would take care of our precious child just as the words say. Christmas day was wonderful, the staff worked tirelessly to create a Christmas wonderland. Santa left footprints outside every bedroom and huge sacks full of goodies. The fire brigade came and sprayed outside with what surely must have been real snow? Then Santa came for another visit and we have a wonderful photo of our family with him. Tamsin gave Mummy the sweetest of smiles as we opened just a few presents with her, her last smile. She was sleeping more or less all day now. On 27th December 2008 Tamsin died. We were there by her side and the staff again supported us incredibly as we prepared her for the mistral room (a cold room, that she could stay in before moving to the funeral directors). Being able to visit her in that room and say our goodbyes was so important and special. As our hearts broke the staff gave us space and time to prepare for the next step of our journey. Their work didn't stop there. We were offered bereavement support for both us and Shona and a special day at the hospice for bereaved families, making all sorts of wonderful things in memory of our children. I don't know what we would have done if a place like Christophers hadn't existed. It made a horrendous journey bearable and gave us lasting, happy memories. Please give generously to this amazing work. Thank you, Amanda , Steve, Shona and Hetty (born in 2011) xxx