Those of you that know me well will know that I found out in the New Year that a friend of mine has passed away due to cancer.
The news hit me harder that I ever thought it would. She was the only person from my life before I became ill who searched me out, wanting to know how I was doing, something which I will always be grateful for. She and her husband have shown me great support and kindness over the years. They have bought handmade items from me, cheered me on and generally been amazing friends. She was someone who I looked forward to seeing properly again once I became well and someone who’s friendship I valued highly, but, as it turned out, I couldn’t even make it to her funeral something I have struggled with, I will not lie.
Journaling the day of her funeral
Since I found out this news I have been more determined to get well, not to let another friendship pass by without being able to see them again. It has also made me realise I needed to let some things go. That the most important thing I need to do is concentrate on my health and my relationships.
So I am taking a break from everything I do except this blog and my shop. I am going to make my health and those I love my priorities. I want to support people I care about more, even if it has to be, for now, from the sofa. I am still taking private tests, I am not waiting anymore, using what I have earned so far to go toward them, I know I will find the rest if I need to.
I have also decided to renew my efforts to help another close friend,
I found out that Macmillan Cancer Support were there for my friend and her family so I am going to donate 15% of my takings from my shop to my other friend, Phil, who has been raising money for the charity. 4 Years ago I told you about him as he was starting his journey and since then he has risen over 20 thousand pounds, has spent many hours in all weathers shaking a bucket and cheering up everyone he meets 
He has been all over the world facing great challenges and I am very proud of him.
Macmillan is an amazing charity who helps anyone who’s life is touched by cancer they will give support and advice on every aspect of how it affects your life. They will be there always, from the day of diagnosis onward, no matter what happens.
So I am reaching out to you all and asking for your help, if you want to help then this is what you can do:
Buy something from my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/spansstudio
Have a read about and donate to Phils cause via this page: http://www.justgiving.com/philminns10K
Or donate directly to Macmillan: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Donate/Donate.aspx
If you can’t spare anything right now, I would appreciate it if you could share this any way that suits you best.
This isn’t the first time in my life that I have had to see someone I care about taken away in this way and I am sure nearly everyone who reads this can relate. Macmillan can be there for everyone who needs them and I would like to help them reach as many people as possible. Everyone can make a difference no matter how small, it all counts.
Thank you, as ever, for being there.
I am Hannah, an art journaler, art student, crafter and all round creative soul learning to love openly, laugh often and use my creativity to explore life, love and gratitude.
This is incredibly moving. I admire you. You seem to be such a generous and caring person. I am sure your friend knew this and appreciated everything you did – even if it was only holding her in your heart. I really hope that you find the answers you are looking for very soon. xxxx
I shall share this post on twitter but if there is ever anything else I can do to help then do please ask.
Thank you so much for all your support x
A heart-felt post Hannah and I know how hard to is to lose a good friend. Hard though it is, it does make you stop and take a long hard look at what is important in your life and it will always be family and friends, everything else comes and goes. McMillan Nurses were a great support for my brother when he was diagnosed with cancer appx three years ago. I wish you well and good luck with the fund-raising.
I wish you all the luck in the world. Sorry can’t find the right words.
bless you, thankyou for commenting, it means a lot x
This is lovely Hannah, thanks for such lovely words. Annabel would be so happy hearing all of this. You meant a lot to her. Much love to you xxx
Thank you Simon, she meant a lot to me too xx
Huge hugs xxx
Back at ya lovely x
Your health and loved ones are the most important things Hannah so it sounds like a good decision to take a break. Keep looking after yourself Hannah. x
Thank you Michaela xx
I am so sorry to hear that Hannah, I know that it may not be easy to understand for all of us, but last year my husband’s mum passed away due to cancer and I still cannot believe I am not going to see her, chat to her or listen to her advice… I am passing your message and going to directly donate to the charity too
I hope you are getting the most from life and see people as much as you wish.
xxx
Thank you so much Izabela, you have been a great friend x