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Mum Diane Todd donates fundraising money to QEQM's Precious Memories following her son's passing

11:07, 28 November 2017

Four years on from her son’s death, one mum has made a donation she hope will help other grieving parents.

Diane Todd’s son, Scott Harmes, passed away on June 4, 2013 at the age of 29, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Diane said: “Scott was a beautiful young man, newly married and a new father when he was diagnosed.

Cheque handover to Precious Memories
Cheque handover to Precious Memories

“He had an operation in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London on May 29, 2013.

“Due to post-operative complications, he never regained consciousness and passed away on June 4.

“We all miss him so very dearly.”

Two years later, in June 2015, Diane had her head shaved to raise funds, while another son, Sam Todd, had his beard shaved.

Diane and Sam before the shave
Diane and Sam before the shave

But the family couldn’t decide on a charity to donate the money to, and instead held the money until they found one that resonated with them.

They chose Precious Memories, the bereavement suite at Margate’s QEQM hospital.

Diane said: “We found it when we saw an article about the charity.

“We felt that we would like to contribute to their cause, to give grieving parents somewhere to be private in their grief and take comfort in being with their child.

“It is such a terrible thing to lose a child, no matter what age.

Diane and her son Sam after the fundraising shave
Diane and her son Sam after the fundraising shave

“We believe Scott would have approved.

“We contacted Abigail Burgess at QEQM and were invited to visit the suite to see what they have achieved so far.

"John Barrett and his partner, Celine, both friends of Scott and who played a large part in our fundraising, came with my husband and me to visit it.

“We were made to feel very welcome and were extremely impressed and touched by how peaceful and serene the bereavement suite is."

In total, £3,360.10 was raised, and Diane and her family will be donating £1,000 each to the RNLI and Battersea Cats and Dogs home, with the rest going to Precious Memories.

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