Sister fundraises for Each hospice after death of baby Leo

Shanice Green was 14 when her baby brother Leo passed away in 2010 aged three weeks old.

He was born prematurely at 23 weeks (five and a half months) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. His organs were not developed enough to survive.

Baby Leo died aged 20 days old back in 2010 (Image: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each))

The family spent three weeks at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each) at its former hospice in Quidenham, between Thetford and Attleborough. 

Ms Green, 26, who now lives in March, Cambridgeshire, said: “Each will always have a special place in my heart.

"Every time I do something, it’s in memory of my little brother.

“I was so young when he died and thought my world was over.  

“I still think about him all the time but, as I’ve got older, I’ve come to realise that he gave me a gift because he’s inspired me to help other people.” 

Shanice Green (centre, in gold dress) with parents Lee and Caroline, and brother Eddi and sister Megan at the Casino Royale night (Image: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each))

A recently held Casino Royale fundraiser became one of the highlights during a year-long programme of events organised by Ms Green. 

Partygoers who glammed up for the James Bond-inspired evening helped raise more than £2,500 for the charity. Other fundraising events, such as a raffle and tenpin bowling nights, also contributed to the final total.

Ms Green is now planning a wild west-themed party, as well as other fundraisers, for this year.

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The fundraising pot was also topped up by friend Matthew Holder, who competes in the national gymkhana championship (Formula G). 

Together, along with the Yugen Factory and British Drift Championship spectators, he contributed almost £300.  

The fundraising will help Each to continue supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

Shanice Green (left) with mum Caroline (right) and Each community fundraiser Ellie Miller (Image: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each))

Ms Green added: “I can’t imagine not doing it as I find it so much fun. 

“I still can’t believe I’ve raised so much. It’s far more than I thought. 

“I’m so grateful to everyone for their help and support. 

“It’s very heartwarming and whenever things go well, it makes me feel very emotional because it’s so personal."