Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Boys’ touching tribute
The heartbroken sons of a devoted mum who lost her battle with cancer last week shaved their heads in her memory two days after her tragic death.
Leanne Hall was said to be “over the moon” with the gesture of Jack, 12, and Luke, nine, who spoke with her about the fundraising idea before she died on Tuesday.
They were joined by cousin Cameron, 15, and have so far raised more than £3,500 for the Pilgrims Hospice, which cared for Leanne in her final days.
Her sister-in-law Nicky Johnson, said: “The boys shaving their hair to raise money for the hospice was completely their idea and Leanne was overwhelmed when they told her.
“They were her everything and she would do absolutely anything for them.”
Leanne was born and raised in Zimbabwe, the daughter of Margaret and Howard and sister to Ashleigh, Sheldon and Michelle.
She moved to England aged 20, working in London in pubs and advertising, before relocating to Rainham 11 years ago.
After her diagnosis, she moved in with Nicky and her husband Chris, who will now look after Jack and Luke.
The crippling illness meant Leanne was paralysed from the chest down, but with the help of the Pilgrims Hospice and hos- pital treatment, she still enjoyed treasured moments with her sons.
Nicky said: “Leanne was the most strong-willed woman we have known.
“At Christmas she was told that she would not make it to January, but she fought on until now. “She was such a popular, loved woman.” Before her diagnosis, Leanne spent as much time as possible with her sons, and trips to the park or skate park and swimming were regular events.
They also enjoyed holidays to Tenerife, Turkey and Greece, and she even took the