Couple mark 10th anniversary of daughter’s death (From Warrington Guardian)

Couple mark 10th anniversary of daughter’s death

7:50am Friday 13th July 2012 in News

A GREAT Sankey couple who have raised hundreds of thousands for poorly children in the town are set to mark the 10th anniversary of their daughter’s death.

Shannon Bradshaw died aged seven on July 17, 2002 after she was diagnosed with bone marrow condition aplastic anaemia.

She inspired her parents Alan and Patti Bradshaw to start charity The Shannon Bradshaw Trust helping children with life-threatening conditions and their families after their friends rallied round them when Shannon was in hospital.

A masquerade ball in January 2013 will mark 10 years since her death as well as what would have been Shannon’s 18th birthday.

Patti, aged 57, said: “I still cry every day.

“I’ve got Shannon’s picture in my office at home and I feel like she’s with me all the time. I miss hugging her and buying her things because I loved every hair on her head.

“It breaks my heart hearing about other families losing children because it brings it all back and nobody knows the pain of losing a child.”

Patti and Alan, who have been married for 28 years, will be joined by their daughters Alana, aged 27, and Danielle, aged 22, as they read the book of condolence for Shannon at Warrington Crematorium which is laid out every year on the anniversary of her death.

Patti added: “We talk about Shannon every day. Danielle was the double of her so I look at her and know that’s what Shannon would look like.

“She’s never not part of the conversation as we say ‘Shannon would like this’ or ‘she would be wearing that’.”

The couple said they are proud of the charity’s achievements, which have included buying wheelchairs and a holiday caravan, and are looking forward to launching a community centre in the town.

Patti added: “I look back and I think we have come a long way.

“It’s very hard running a charity and it can be very stressful organising the events but when you have done it all and you see the look on the child’s face when they get the thing they need, it’s all worth it.”

I’m only a small child, not much do I know.

God holds on to my hand as I look down below.

I’m here with the father in the most beautiful place Yet I can’t feel much joy when I see your sad face.

Your heart has been broken, I can see from up here as you struggle along and you wipe every tear.

If I only had words I could send you today That would tell you I’m home and I’m really okay.

Heaven is beautiful with sparkles and white wings, and the angels are teaching me so many things.

I’ll grow and mature in this heavenly land while holding on tightly to my father’s soft hand.

Then one day you’ll join me in this home in the skies.

Our joy will be full with no more goodbyes.

So don’t grieve for me now but find peace in your soul, and know God has finally made your little one whole.

Now, even if you can’t seem to understand why, please know in your heart that our love didn’t die.

He tells me that just for a time we must wait and then I can meet you at heaven’s front gate.