In 2013, Sasha was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Fibrolamellar.
This shocked our family to its core and changed lives dynamics for myself, my husband Chris and my three girls. Sasha endured three major operations; one on her liver and two on her lungs, followed by numerous rounds of vigorous chemotherapy.
Despite all of this, Sasha remained the happy free spirit she was and never let her downfalls become her. Although she had become weaker in herself, she never let it affect her zest for life and her strength to fight the cancer. Sasha continued to enjoy the things she loved; spending time with family and friends, going on outings and finding any opportunity to crack a joke.
After two years of courageously fighting, Sasha lost her battle in February 2015- three weeks after her 19th birthday. With the support of many charities and the St Julia’s Hospice, as a family we were able to enjoy her last moments in comfort, love and solidarity.
This became a pivotal point in my life. As a mother, I was truly grateful for the family and community around me, as well as the charities that provided opportunities and experiences for Sasha and our family to create memories around.
“An idea that fell from the sky”
In 2018, I began to organise and fundraise a skydive in memory of our Sasha, and to raise money for a local cancer charity. Filled with such adrenaline and strength as I folded out of the airplane, I felt a rush of pride and achievement, and believed I could do more, and I wanted to do more.
‘Sasha Would’ve Loved It’ started as a non-profit organisation later in the same year, and since has blossomed into a sufficient, much recognised local charity, with the mission to raise money for young people with cancer in Cornwall.
With the money raised from events, fundraising opportunities, the shop and café, and any loose change, the charity provides opportunities and experiences for young people to create memories, and to add a smile to their day.