A heartbroken Newton Aycliffe family returned to the hospital where their nine-year-old daughter died to donate 102 bunny teddies in her memory.
Millie Rose Hedley died just days before Christmas last year after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a rare, fast-growing blood cancer.
Her family visited Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) yesterday (Sunday, October 4) to donate the bunnies to children being treated at the Great North Children’s Hospital, where Millie died.
Rabbits were among Millie’s favourite things and her beloved bunny teddy, Buddy, was a constant comfort to her.
From left, Emma McQuitty of Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Lisa Morris and Shauna McDougall of the paediatric intensive care unit receive a cheque and teddy bears from Bill, Makayla and Kim Hedley at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The donation followed the family’s 4,000-plus mile round trip from the North East to Benidorm and back as part of their fundraising drive, Buddy’s Journey – To Benidorm and Back.
The family travelled through France, across the Pyrenees and into Spain in Millie’s memory.
They returned to Benidorm, where Millie had holidayed with her family.
Millie’s big sister Makayla took on challenges during the journey to raise money and awareness in her sister’s memory.
Millie Rose wanted to be a 'singing, princess archaeologist' when she grew up (Image: FAMILY)
The family have raised £4,100 for the RVI and Great North Children’s Hospital through Team Millie events, raffles, donations, products and challenges.
Millie’s mum, Kim, said the RVI remained central to her daughter’s story.
She said: “There are no words to truly explain what this journey has meant to me. Losing my beautiful Millie has changed our lives forever, but I wanted to make sure that her life, her smile and her beautiful spirit continue to make a difference.
"Every mile we travelled, every penny we raised, every bunny teddy collected and every challenge Makayla took on was done in Millie’s memory.
“The RVI became such an important part of Millie’s story, and being able to give something back to the hospital that cared for my little girl means more to me than I could ever put into words.
“I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved, but most of all I am proud of my girls. Millie may not be here for me to hold, but she is with us in everything we do. I will keep saying her name, telling her story and building her legacy for as long as I am able.
“My beautiful Millie Rose, this is all for you. I hope you’re looking down and know just how loved you are. I will love you forever, my beautiful girl.”
From left, Emma McQuitty of Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Lisa Morris and Shauna McDougall of the paediatric intensive care unit receive a cheque and teddy bears from Bill, Makayla and Kim Hedley at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
Grandad Bill said: “All of this was done for you, Millie. Every mile we travelled, every penny we raised, every bunny teddy collected and every challenge we took on was for you.
"We miss you more than words could ever say, but we hope you’re looking down and seeing just how much love surrounds you. Your memory will live on through everything we do.”
Kimberley with Millie Rose and Makayla (Image: FAMILY)
Makayla said: “Everything we have done has been for my little sister, Millie. I wish she could have been here to see how far we have travelled and how much we have raised for the RVI.
"I took on my challenges because I wanted to do something to make her proud and to help other children who are going through what she went through. I miss her every single day, but I know she will always be a part of everything we do.
"I will keep helping to tell her story and keep her memory alive, because she is my little sister and I will always be proud of her.”
Millie suffered bone pain and extreme tiredness for about a year before her death.
From left, William, Makayla and Kimberley Hedley with the Rat Run car (Image: STUART BOULTON)
Her family had previously returned to the RVI to meet the paediatric intensive care team who cared for her.
The Benidorm journey was also part of the family’s efforts to establish The Millie Rose Foundation, which was created in Millie’s memory to support children, families and bereaved families.
The foundation aims to support bereaved families through workshops and activities including arts and crafts, music, sport and performance.
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From left, Emma McQuitty of Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Lisa Morris and Shauna McDougall of the paediatric intensive care unit receive a cheque and teddy bears from Bill, Makayla and Kim Hedley at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
The family also hopes to organise community events and days out where families can make new memories together.
Before setting off, the family covered their rally car with names, memories and messages of love for Millie, while supporters could add their own for a donation.
The family thanked everyone who donated, supported their fundraising, bought Team Millie products, joined events, took on challenges, donated bunny teddies or shared Millie’s story.