Inspiring young girls complete ‘Big Hair Chop’ in memory of Rae
Sisters, 12-year-old Kara and 8-year-old Freya, have completed a ‘big hair chop’ in memory of their very special little friend, Rae. 4-year-old Rae and her family received bereavement support at Naomi House after Rae passed away.
We spoke to Kara and Freya’s mum, Cherie, who shared their story:
I am life-long friends with Rae’s mum, Aimee. We went to school together and she took me under her wing – she’s a very kind and caring person. We’re like sisters and we’ve always remained close. We went on to have our beautiful children and they are all like cousins. Kara and Freya love their Auntie Aimee and Uncle Dave and adored their ‘Little Rae of Sunshine’ – we all did.
Rae Isla Rose Foster was an amazing, strong and inspiring little girl that we had the absolute honour of knowing and loving. Rae went through more in her 4 short years than most do in a lifetime. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the tender age of 5 months old. Rae went on to battle untold rounds of chemotherapy and procedures. She was awesome! Sadly, in 2020, Rae contracted Covid and, with an already compromised immune system from all her unforgiving chemotherapy, began to see her health decline once more.
This amazing little girl kept smiling until the very end. Rae grew her angel wings on 16th August 2020.
Rae passed away with her mum and dad by her side. Mum, Aimee, and dad, David, then asked for Rae to be moved to Naomi House, so they could spend precious time with her. This gave other family members, including Rae’s brothers, Riley, Aidan and Noah, and her new-born sister, Olivia time to read her stories, cuddle and just be together.
I didn’t feel my daughters, Kara and Freya, would cope emotionally, so they did not attend with me or their dad. They gave us special letters and pictures to leave with Rae. We visited for a few hours on 20th August.
I didn’t know what to expect and was worried I would be too emotional to support our friends. Naomi House did an outstanding job of creating a calm and peaceful space and gave round-the-clock care to Rae and her family. Rae looked like a sleeping angel. So at peace, so beautiful. Thank you Naomi House & Jacksplace for the life changing work you do.
Since little Rae passed away, Kara and Freya have both expressed they wanted to do a ‘big hair chop’ for charity. They liked the idea of the money raised being donated to Naomi House & Jacksplace, because they understood that the hospice made a big difference to Rae and her family in very difficult times. Kara said:
Mummy it makes my heart hurt that Rae is not here, but I am glad they got to spend more time with her at the end.
My daughters also liked the thought of helping children who may need a special wig to be made. Freya said: “It makes my heart happy to know the children will be happy with new hair”. So, after waiting to let their hair grow for as long as they could, we booked their appointment for the ‘big hair chop’.
On 22nd July, courtesy of Rachael at La Belle Hair Salon in Ashford, Kara had a total of 19 inches off and Freya had a total of 18 inches off! Their hair was sent off the very next day to The Little Princess Trust and they have received their special certificates.
Mum and Dad are so proud of you; our amazing, kind and thoughtful girls. We love you always.
If you would like to sponsor the incredibly inspiring efforts of Kara and Freya, you can donate on their Big Hair Chop JustGiving page here. Thank you.
