Jeffs blog

London Marathon Fundraising

Jeffster — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:53:31 +0000

Our friend Jackie Mitchell has managed to get a place in this years London Marathon and will be fundraising on behalf of Momentum. If you would like to help Jackie reach her target and sponsor her, it would be realy appreciated. Jackies page is here: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/JackieMitchell

Even though Kiera is not with us, Momentum are still part of our lives. They allow us to use their recently purchased cabin on the south coast, where we are able to "get away" from everyday life for a while.

Thanks from Ann, Jackie and me!

2 Years gone by.

Jeffster — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:47:21 +0100

It's so hard to believe that Kiera has been gone for two years now. We miss her so much! Words just can't describes the void that she has left.

Thanks for remembering her.

Jeff & Ann

Another birthday.

Jeffster — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:27:28 +0100

Kiera would have been a teenager today. Thanks to everyone for their texts, cards and flowers. Still the words don't exist to say how much we love her and how much we miss her, but we are so grateful to everyone who continues to remember her on this special day. Thanks, from Ann and Jeff.

12 months on

Jeffster — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:51:43 +0100

It was one year ago that we lost out little girl. They say that time is a healer, it's not, it's just dulls the pain because we both still miss her so much. But we are not alone! Over the last twelve months Ann and I have been so pleased to hear that Kiera hasn't been forgotten by many people. There have been marathons, run by friends wearing Kiera's name and picture on their back, raising funds for charities. People we don't even know have done the same! A lovely silver birch planted in the school grounds, and a beautiful bench with funds raised by Alex Lever both bear witness to Kiera's lasting presence. Last week Ann and I attended a memory day at Shooting Star House, where a special memory tree was unveiled bearing stars with children's names on.

We are both so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and generosity and we are so lucky to have such marvellous friends and relatives. Thank you for being with us and thank you for remembering our lovely girl, Kiera.

Thanks

Jeffster — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:34:32 +0100

Thanks to everyone who has sent cards, e-mails, texts and flowers today on Kiera's 12th birthday. It's really nice and comforting to know that she is still with us all.

Love to everyone,

Jeff and Ann

Life goes on

Jeffster — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:20:53 +0100

Well, it's almost three weeks to the day since Kiera passed away and although they say time is a healer, it's a slow process! Obviously not a day (or an hour) passes without one of us thinking of K. We've been inundated with cards and messages of support and sympathy and they have been a great source of comfort to us both. So many people have made donations to The Shooting Star House, we know of at least £1000 being raised, including a cheque from my colleagues at BBC World Service for over £700; Hannah and her friends had a toy sale and raised £35.55, so thank you to them and also to you for raising the money in memory of our lovely daughter. All the cheques and cash that were sent in cards to us has been passed to the House.

Ann and I have had a few days away here and there and we've also set about the task of clearing away Kiera's belongings. We're re-decorating her room which seems such a sad thing to be doing but we feel that if we left it longer it would be harder to do.

We are planning to go to Spain in September for a week and then France for a few days. So many people have been so generous in offering us apartments in sunny places, we really are spoilt for choice. Thank you!

I think that this will be the "last post" of this blog. It's been a real emtional roller coaster, there have been highs and there have certainly been lows, but through it all, Kiera, Ann and I have always known that we've had so much support, friendship and love behind us. It's heart breaking that it ended as it did, but we are truly grateful for everything that you have done to help us through the last 18 months. I would also like to pay a tribute to Ann, who gave up so much so that she could be there for Kiera. Nothing was too much for her and Kiera could not have had a better mother, nurse and companion, and I a better wife.

We thank you all so much!

Jeff & Ann

An emotional day

Jeffster — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 10:13:58 +0100

The sun shone and we were surrounded by so many friends and family as we gathered to say goodbye to our lovely little girl. Ann and I would like to thank everyone who supported us through Kiera's illness and through the last few days. We have had so many messages on e-mail, text, blog and cards, not just comforting us, but telling us how Kiera had affected each of you. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts and know that our little girl is in a place where there is no pain, sorrow or distress.

Many people asked about the passage I read in the chapel. Here it is:

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

written by

David Harkins

Kiera's Funeral

Jeffster — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:21:43 +0100

Kiera's funeral will take place at Mortlake Crematorium (TW9 4EN) on Friday 3rd August at 16.30 and then afterwards at The Tide End Cottage (TW11 9NN) in Teddington. We haven't got time to send out invitations to everyone, but we would like to see you there if possible. Children and Kiera's friends are of course welcome to both. Please try not to wear black! If you wish to send flowers, please address them to FW Paine, 29 Coombe Road, Norbiton, Surrey KT2 7AY to arrive before mid day on Friday, or you may wish to make a donation to The Shooting Star Hospice.

Kiera Louise Marion Brown 17th April 1996 - 31st July 2007

Jeffster — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:11:07 +0100

It is with a great sadness that I have to write that our beloved daughter, Kiera, passed away peacefully this morning just after 10 o'clock. It is difficult to describe our emotions. We are grateful that she isn't suffering anymore from the tumours that she so bravely fought, yet she has already left a big gap in our lives. We had over 11 wonderful years with her and those memories can not be taken away from us.

We are so grateful to everyone who has been with us, especially the nursing staff at Kingston Hospital, Momentum, The Royal Marsden. the Community Nurses, everyone at The Shooting Star House and all of our friends and relatives.

No one told us our little girl was really a homesick angel. We both love you, Kiera and always will.

Kiera - Thursday 26th July

Jeffster — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:16:49 +0100

Yesterday morning, Kiera woke up with a headache and with more vomiting. The nurses called and increased the dosages of medicine to keep everything under control but by the afternoon Kiera had slipped into what can only be described as a coma. Ann and I took the decision to move Kiera to the Shooting Star Hospice, because there Kiera could receive round the clock care, which it was clear that we couldn't provide at home. It's just gone 3pm on Thursday and I've popped home to get a clean set of clothes for Ann and me. When I left, Kiera was still unconscious.

The Shooting Star Hospice in Hampton is a wonderful place, providing round the clock care for Kiera with trained staff, and allowing Ann and I to come to terms with the inevitable outcome.

Kiera - Monday

Jeffster — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:30:16 +0100

It's been a roller coaster weekend! On Saturday, K spent most of the day asleep. She'd been having medication every 4 hours, delivered orally but she was still being sick and getting headaches. On Saturday evening the nurses connected up a small driver that holds a syringe and administers the drugs through K's Hickman line over a 24hr period. The difference that has made is amazing! It's also portable and can be carried around like a small handbag (if there is such thing!). Today she was well enough to go to Garsons Farm and pick some raspberries and some veg. When we got home she made some fruit salad for Ann and me. (That's on top of making chocolate brownies last night at half ten!). Hopefully with the new medication we'll be able to get out a bit more and make the most of our time.

Thanks to everyone, again, for the thoughts and the messages! We've had so many texts and e-mails it's been difficult to keep up with responding to them. We are so lucky to have so many great people on our side!

Kiera - Wednesday

Jeffster — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:33:05 +0100

We're all comforted by your thoughts and expressions at this time. I thought I should put a few words together to let you know what is happening. K goes through periods of tiredness and so far on two occasions has gone in to what can only be described as a "fit". The first happened on Sunday which scared the **** out of us, we called an ambulance and by the time it arrived (about 4 minutes!) she was awake though we still went to hospital, but were back home within an hour.

Yesterday we all went to the Craft Centre at Syon Park to buy some "arty" stuff (Thanks, Bianca!). Last night while walking to the loo she had another fit. These aren't convulsions, more like a very deep sleep, almost coma like. She awoke, quite grumpy a few minutes later but then dozed off and had a peaceful night. She is sleeping downstairs on the bed settee and Ann or I sleep on the other settee.

This morning she awoke with a slight headache, which was seen to with some new pain killer that doesn't make her drowsy and is watching "Sorcerers Apprentice" on TV, Nanny McPhee and doing some "arty" things! (While eating chicken nuggets!)

Whilst we are aware of the outcome, we want you to know that she is having "good" moments. She is not aware of her situation and becomes confused at times, although I don't think we'll hide it from her should she ask.

So thanks again for your kind words and thoughts.

Kiera latest

Jeffster — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:32:44 +0100

Kiera had a scan yesterday which only confirmed our worst fears, that the tumour is more aggressive and that a second tumour appears to be forming. In light of this, Ann and I, with the Dr's agreement have agreed that it is time to stop the treatment as it is not effective and will now only delay the inevitable.

After the scan, Kiera took Ann and I to see Shrek 3, which we all enjoyed.

We really value and thank everyone for their kind messages of love and support during this time. Once again I would ask that you don't 'phone us as it disturbs Kiera, but your messages here, or on text or e-mails are a real source of comfort.

Kiera

Jeffster — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 09:09:33 +0100

The headaches and vomiting that Kiera had when the brain tumour was first diagnosed have started again. She spent Friday in hospital and she is now at home on more steroids and pain killers. After the apparent success of the treatment this is a setback. We would ask our friends and colleagues not to ring us at this moment. E mails are fine but may not be answered quickly. Hope you understand. Thanks.

Cor! Luv a duck!

Jeffster — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:01:00 +0100

The Great British Duck Race is going to take place on 2nd September 2007, when over 150,000 sponsored rubber ducks will be let loose from a point nr Hampton Court and race for a kilometer. You can sponsor a duck and raise money for Momentum, and there's over 30 prizes including £10,000 for the winning duck. For more details got to http://www.thegreatbritishduckrace.co.uk/charitypage.php?charity=205

Thanks

BIG THANKS!

Jeffster — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:37:29 +0100

A big thank you to everyone who went to the Dillington garden open day, especially Nita and Jim for hosting it and Lesley and Rik for all their help with it. Thanks to everyone who donated time, effort and money. A total of £10,000 was raised for Momentum which just magnificent and will go towards helping children like Kiera get through their illness.

Talking of Kiera! She goes from strength to strength! On Wednesday she walked into Teddington on her own, did a bit of shopping then came back. No scooter or wheel chair in sight! Yesterday Kiera took a small table at the school summer fete to sell the necklaces, bracelets and other bead things that she's made. Made a tidy profit on them!Today, Kiera, Ann and I CYCLED to Teddington Lock for their open day. These little displays of effort seem to show to us that she is really making progress and is on the mend. Chemo continues for the next week, then a weeks break from it.

Ticking over!

Jeffster — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:01:34 +0100

Not too much to report! K started her 4th course of chemo today, following the usual routine. This morning she spent a few hours at what will be her new school, Teddington School before going to the marsden with Ann. She is remarkably well at the moment and we just hope that it's a sign of things to come.

NOW! A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

23rd September, Momentum will be holding a Cabaret Evening in Clarendon Hall, York House in Twickenham. A welcoming drink, 3 course meal and entertainment for £48. Tickets are available, please go to Momentums website for more details.

Let's no get too excited!

Jeffster — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:08:43 +0100

Kiera had a chest XRay last week. The Dr said that there was now no visible signs of active cancer in either K's lungs or chest. This is another small step on the way to beating it! However, the tumour has calcified: Once it's died it stays put as the body doesn't have a mechanism for expelling it, so regardless of K's health it will always remain in situ and will always be at the back of our minds. There is, obviously with the brain tumour a long way to go. K completed her third course of chemo this week and it has slowly started taking it's toll on her but she does a very good job of hiding it from people around her. It's only when she's behind the front door that she flops out. She is one very brave lady and so is her mum!

Today we went to Wraysbury Fayre where Dilly, Eamon and Oliver, friends of ours had a stall and thanks to them for raising funds for Momentum. We had a great time and I managed to win a coconut for K. (Yeah, I know, bragging again!)

As a little celebration tonight, Ann and I have cracked open a bottle on Verve Cliquot. Cheers to everyone who has supported us and helped us get this far! Thank you so very much! To everyone!

A little bit of good news!

Jeffster — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:43:20 +0100

Ann had a conversation with Kiera's oncologoist yesterday and it's been confirmed that the swelling has reduced and it appears that the tumour is responding well to the treatment. You'll know that we've been on something of a roller coaster ride, especially after we thought that the tumour in Kiera's chest was being bashed into submission, only to be hit by the brain tumour, but this is very good news although it's still early days. The oncologist is going to reccommend at least a further 3 courses of chemo which will take us towards September but I wanted to share this with you to show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Ticking over

Jeffster — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:35:10 +0100

Things have been pretty quiet since getting back from the Isle of Wight! Kiera was due to start chemo last week however her blood counts were low so it was posponed until yesterday (Tuesday). It should have been Monday but Momentum had organised a trip to the BBC TV Centre for the kids so K went on that instead. Now we're back to the chemo routine, two lots each day for this week, one lot each day next week then recovery. Last week she had an MRI scan on her brain. We were told that if there was anything untoward we would be called but so far nothing so we are encouraged by that. We should be seeing her consultant soon but in the meantime, outwardly, K seems to be responding to the treatment positively. At the moment K is spending her time creating lovely bracelets, necklaces and tassles. She's got quite a few commissions!

Last Sunday I decided to re-build our main PC. Not a big mistake, but sometimes these things have a way of taking up more time than expected, consequently both Ann and I have had limited access to e-mails, so apologies if you've sent one. Hopefully not lost, just hiding somewhere!

More soon!

UNABLE TO ACCESS KIERABROWN.COM OR .CO.UK

Jeffster — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:45:38 +0100

Recently there have been problems with the redirection of www.kierabrown.co.uk and www.kierabrown.com If you are unable to access the blog from either of these two addresses, please point your browser to www.jeffreybrown.co.uk where the blog is located. You can add that as a favourite if you wish and it will go straight to the blog.

Garden Open Day - A Big Thanks!

Jeffster — Sun, 27 May 2007 18:56:29 +0100

Thank you to everyone who attended the Garden open day on Saturday and to those who organised, ran and supported it. It was a resounding success and Momentum will benefit from it to the tune of around £6500. Everyone is really touched by peoples generosity and rest assured the money will be put to good use helping children like Kiera get though their illnesses.

Isle of Wight

Jeffster — Fri, 25 May 2007 22:01:07 +0100

Well, we all had a great week in the Isle of Wight. On Monday morning we waved goodbye to Kiera and her classmates as they set of for Portsmouth, en route to Shanklin. Ann and I then set off for our short break...also on the Isle of Wight. Kiera stayed with her friends at one side Island, we stayed in Freshwater on the opposite side.

Kiera managed the whole week without any problems although she had started to flag a bit come Friday morning but by then it was the homeward journey. The only time we met up with K was to collect her from the hotel on Thursday morning and take her for a routine blood test at St Marys Hospital. Kiera had only missed a 2 mile walk over the Downs so she wasn't too upset when she met up with the class at Allum Bay. Then she was off and we didn't see her again until the coach dropped her off at the school this afternoon.

Her blood test on Thursday was not as good as it could have been so they've decided to delay the third round of chemotherapy for a week, which as it's half term is no bad thing.

We're extremely grateful to Mr Logan and his staff for keeping an eye on her, from what he tells us, she has been really amazing for the whole week. In fact I think his only real problem was putting up with mum, checking up a couple of times each day! Also, we can't forget the nurses and staff at Kingston and Royal Marsden hospitals who did their best to ensure that K was healthy enough to go on the trip.

Ann and I would like to thank Nicola for allowing us the use of her house on the isle and for pointing out some fine places to eat and drink. We had a great time and a much needed break as well!

SMSP Fun Run

Jeffster — Sun, 20 May 2007 22:21:58 +0100

Another day another run! Well done to everyone who took part in the Schools Fun Run at Bushey Park today. It was a brilliant event with lots of people and sunshine! The money raised from the event is to be split between the school's funds and Momentum. Kiera managed the 3km, albeit with the aid of her electric scooter and it was a shock for Ann as her legs were only just getting over yesterdays Race for Life!
So that's probably it for a week. Tomorrow morning we're off to Isle of Wight, Kiera with the school and Ann and I lurking around the Isle but not cramping our girls style.

Race for Life

Jeffster — Sat, 19 May 2007 19:57:37 +0100

Big congratulations to Ann, Tina, Charlotte, Jo and Kath for completing the Cancer Research Run for Life 5k run in Richmond's Old Deer Park today. Between them they raised over £1150 for Cancer research and they were all running on behalf of Kiera, who was there to cheer them on. Thanks to them and thanks to all of their sponsors! Thanks to Sarah for the champagne at the end!

Kiera's second round of chemo finished today so the plan is now for her to go to the Isle of Wight on Monday for the week with all of her class. Ann and I will also be on the Isle but staying on the opposite side, just in case, but we hope that K will have a good break with her friends and we'll just have a break!

Out of hospital

Jeffster — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:04:56 +0100

Pleased to repot that K is now back home. Seems it was some kind of viral infection that has run it's course. The chemo continues though for this week and the Isle of Wight looks like it's ging to happen. Fingers crossed!

An anonymous gesture!

Jeffster — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:05:35 +0100

Kiera is spending another night in Kingston. Her temperature is still up and down like a yo yo but she is being quite stoical about it, Her main concern is to get to the Isle of Wight next Monday with the rest of her class. I'm sure she'll make it!
Today we heard from a friend of ours that someone has asked for a gift to be passed to us anonymously. I sit here trying to put into words exactly how Kiera, Ann and I appreciate everyones thoughts and kindness towards us and I find it so hard to do. The words "Thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough! We've been on a real emotional roller coaster. We've been warned so many times about potential outcomes, we've had bad times and we've had good times and through it all we've had you with us, supporting us and letting us know that we are not facing this on our own. I've typed it so many times and each time I do I wish I could really convey just how much your love, support and friendship means to us.

Back in Kingston!

Jeffster — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:32:50 +0100

Kiera has done really well so far to avoid any infections but the last few days has seen her temperature fluctuating between normal and high. Today it went over 39 degrees so it was straight to Kingston, just after she and Ann had got back from the days chemo session at Marsden. Kiera doesn't show any signs of being unwell, slightly tired but she says she's fine, and there doesn't seem anything untoward as far as her blood results are, so we hope that it's just a blip and that she'll be able to carry on with the chemo as planned.

Chemo round 2!

Jeffster — Tue, 08 May 2007 22:26:10 +0100

The second round of chemo got underway on Monday, following the pattern of the first round. A week on two drugs, then a week on one and a week to recover. It's an up and down thing, and the last few days has seen Kiera at a bit of a low. Tired for most of the time and today she had a temperature spike at 38.2, which gave some cause for concern. However, the temperature has stabilised back to normal but it's difficult to know if she has an infection of some sort or if it's a side effect of the chemo. Her blood counts are on an upwards trend so we hope that it's just a blip. We cancelled our week at the Clicsargent holiday home, which should have been next week as K will still be on chemo. Hopefully, with everything crossed she'll be on the school trip to Isle of Wight on the following week.

First driving lesson

Jeffster — Thu, 03 May 2007 21:14:58 +0100

I'm sure that many of you know that Kiera is saving up for her own Smart car. It was great being lent one for a week as a birthday present, but to be able to drive it was not possible...until today! Courtesy of Mercedes Benz World at Brooklands, Kiera was taken out in a Smart car and given her own one to one instructions on how to drive, and then let loose! She had a great time! It was even better when Ed, her instructor took her out on the handling circuit and skid ring in an SLK to show her what a car with power could really do! Thanks to every one at Mercedes Benz World for making her so welcome,treating her to her own special driving lesson and the goody bag!