"We lost our lovely Mum - Janet Elsom - on 1st December 2011. The worst day of our lives and things will never be the same!
Before Mum became ill, LOROS was already a big part of our lives - Mum volunteered there from when it opened, became Ward Clerk, trained to be a nurse and went back to work there, retired from there and unfortunately lost her life there!
It was my 40th Birthday this year and I couldn't face celebrating it without Mum - there would be such an obvious hole! She was never one for the limelight anyway and would have sat quietly in the corner but nevertheless, although not her scene, she would've been there for me.
I thought long and hard and decided I would turn it around and hold a party for my 40th Birthday, but in memory of Mum, and in aid of LOROS.
I held the party at the Syston Rugby Club in Queniborough with DJ Dan Cavner and clearly stated "no presents" on the invitation. Instead, I suggested that we would have a raffle and all proceeds would go to LOROS in memory of Mum; if people wanted to donate a prize it would be gratefully received.
From the huge generosity of family, friends and work colleagues we had lots and lots of lovely prizes donated and raffle tickets bought. Syston Rugby Club donated £50 and DJ Dan Cavner donated £40 and I didn't even ask!
At the end of the evening we had raised £473 for LOROS. My sister, Lucy Elsom, doubled it and I made it up to £1000. It was an emotional evening and although Mum wasn't there in person she was certainly there in spirit.
Thanks to all my family, friends, Debbie Dickman from LOROS, DJ Dan Cavner, Syston Rugby Club and of course LOROS for their wonderful care.
Gone but never forgotten Mum xxx
Katie Leah
