My mind knows Josie is gone, but my heart will never accept it
FAMILY’S TRIBUTE TO TEEN ON ANNIVERSARY OF HER DEATH
THE grieving family of a bubbly Sunderland teenager who died of cancer at just 15 years old has helped the niece she never got to meet pay tribute to her.
Josie King, from Thorney Close, Sunderland, died after developing Ewing sarcoma bone cancer – a rare type of cancer which had developed in one of her leg bones.
The popular teenager loved animals and was a keen boxer, even receiving well wishes from British professional boxer Anthony Joshua OBE.
Now two years on from her death, her older sister Jessica King, 23, and mum Donna Doneathy, 44, took 10-monthold Josie-rae down to Roker Beach and released J balloons to pay tribute to the auntie she never met.
Josie’s friends also gathered at Penshaw Monument, one of Josie’s other favourite places, and released balloons in a special tribute to her with mum Donna thanking them “from the bottom of her heart”.
Jessica said: “Me and Josie-rae let the balloons off for her auntie Josie. We let two J balloons off down Josie’s relaxing place – the beach.”
On the second anniversary of Josie’s death, Jessica penned an emotional tribute to her little sister, describing her heart as “so kind and true”.
She wrote: “How do I even put into words how much you’re missed? How am I suppose to explain what we would do to have you back? How can I even describe the pain we are still feeling?
“My only regret is that if I had known it was the last time that I’d of saw you, I would have hugged you tighter, told you I loved you louder, and stayed by your side longer.
“My mind knows that you are gone, but my heart will never accept it. I miss you so much, my little sister.
“I’m sure you will leave your sparkle wherever you go. I’m sure you will be fulfilling your dreams somewhere. I love and miss you so much.
“Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name.
“Sad are the hearts that love you. Silent are the tears that fall. Living without you is the hardest part of all.
“You did so many things for us, your heart was so kind and true. And when we needed someone we could always count on you. The special years will not return. When we are all together. But with the love in our hearts, you will walk with us forever.”
She also wrote a special note from her niece: “To my auntie Josie, I love you so much, I will forever and always know who you are. You are the best auntie in the whole wide world. Love your little niece Josie Rae.”
Josie, who also leaves behind dad John King, 53, and brother Jack, 16, would have turned 18 in December this year. She was one of 11 children to receive a Bradley Lowery Child of Courage award and received a Bravehearts award in 2017 for helping other children through their treatment.