THE Daily Gazette has launched a campaign in memory of nine-year-old Colchester girl Erin Sadler and in support of her devoted mum’s fundraising drive.
The For The Love of Erin initiative will champion anyone who goes above and beyond to raise money for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity on behalf of Helen Sadler.
One close friend of Helen’s, for example, has already hinted at running The Grand Union Canal Race – an ultra-marathon event – in aid of the non-profit organisation
Helen, from Ipswich Road, is currently trying to generate as much cash as possible for the devoted charity as a way of saying thank you.
From 2015 until her death in December, Erin was regularly looked after by the charity’s now senior support worker, Sarah Raven-Loyd.
Their main goal is to provide emotional and physical assistance to the families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
With that in mind, The Gazette’s campaign will also endeavour to shine a line on the vital work being carried out by the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
Helen said: “This sounds wonderful.”
READ MORE: Mum whose daughter died aged 9 invites people to 'wrap her in love' one last time
Since being born in October 2013, Erin, who survived sepsis, a haemorrhage and heart attack, had battled several life-threatening conditions on a daily basis.
In addition to having blood, kidney, liver and heart disease Erin, who once went into cardiac arrest in her mother’s arms, had PTSD and autism.
She also endured hundreds of blood transfusions and was required to take as many 29 medications every day – but she always challenged adversity head-on.
The courageous little fighter, however, died in December breaking the hearts of thousands of people who had followed her journey.
Erin will now be laid to rest in a private cremation ceremony following a “celebration of life” at St John’s Church, in Colchester, on January 16, from 12.30pm.
Helen said: “The decision was made to give an opportunity to all those who have been captivated and inspired by Erin to wrap her in love before her final journey.
“It will be a celebration of her extraordinary nine years.”
If you are planning on hosting an event or completing a challenge to raise money for the charity in support of Erin’s mum please email george.king@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here