Inverness woman to host coronavirus lockdown pyjama party in memory ofsister to raise funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
An Inverness woman is organising a special Covid-19 lockdown pyjama party to help raise vital funds for the charity which provided care for her little sister.
Joanne Sinclair's fundraiser is being mounted in memory of her sister Dawn who suffered from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, scoliosis and developmental delay and was just 15 when she passed away on Boxing Day 2018.
Throughout her life Dawn received care from Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) – at both Rachel House hospice in Kinross and also via the CHAS at Home service.
CHAS currently supports more than 450 families across the country and is committed to making sure that, no matter how little time families have together, it is packed full of joy and precious memories.
Joanne (27), who works in the Children’s Ward at Raigmore Hospital, said Dawn loved nothing more than “a wee jammie day” at Rachel House.
She added: “Dawn had so many challenges in her short life, such as not being able to walk or talk and having to be tube fed from around the age of eight.
“She was also prone to chest infections and asthma attacks resulting in numerous hospital admissions, but whatever was going on she was the happiest and bravest princess anyone ever met and her favourite thing by far were her jammie days at Rachel House.
"Often we would take her outside into the beautiful hospice garden while she was still in her bed if it was a nice day so she could stay all cosy and wrapped up – she loved that so much. That’s why we decided to do this as we know it is something Dawn would love.”
The virtual event will take place on Tuesday – a very special date for Joanne and her family as it marks 15 years to the day that Dawn came to stay with them after being adopted, aged two.
Joanne, who helped raise £60,000 for CHAS last year after taking part in the charity’s Sahara Trek, said: “We are asking those who sign up to take part to stay in their pyjamas (or jammies as Dawn called them) all day, have a wee party at home, post pictures on social media with the hashtag #dawnspjparty or #jammiesfordawn and donate £5 to CHAS.
“It really would be amazing if as many people as possible could get involved not just to remember Dawn but to help raise money for CHAS, which is a charity close to our family’s hearts.”
Sarah Secombes, head of community fundraising at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to Joanne and all our fundraisers for helping to raise money to help us to keep the joy alive for children like Dawn and families across Scotland.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Joanne’s fundraiser can do so here.
