A mother's love has inspired a daughter to raise vital funds for a hospital asthma unit in her memory.
The idea to raffle off a collection of Easter chicks was the brainchild of Nasreen Younis who lost her mother to asthma 16 months ago.
The 36-year-old wanted to show her gratitude to staff at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton and raise funds for the local NHS Trust’s Respiratory Fund.
Rehana Nazir was 68 when she passed away in November 2013 while on her way home from a holiday in Pakistan.
Nasreen, a regeneration project manager with Middlesbrough Council, said her mother had lived life to the full in spite of the condition.
“She was a smart, clever and ‘full of life’ character who was loved by all from little kids to elderly people and from all walks of life,” she said.
“She was the lady who would befriend someone on a train journey or bus as they instantly warmed to her.
“She left a big hole when she died, not just for her immediate family but many of her friends throughout the world including Pakistan and Canada.
“We lost our father at a young age so mum spent 20 years without him bringing us up - she dedicated all her energy, time and effort to us.
“She could be so ill some days and you could see that in her face, but she wanted to get dressed, put on her favourite lippy, matching accessories and cook us all a meal.”
Nasreen’s daughter Zoya was just four months old when her nanny died but will find out all about her as she grows up.
A collection of soft toy chicks - started as something of a joke when Nas was in her 20s - grew and grew, finally giving Nas her fundraising idea.
“My mum was always giving to charity here and in Pakistan, so I wanted to do something positive in her memory,” she said.
“I felt the chicks deserved to go to good ‘homes’ and to be enjoyed and loved by others, hence the raffle.
“The care given to my mum by the staff at the ICU department and on the respiratory ward at North Tees was invaluable, and afterwards we were supported by the asthma nurses, in particular Catherine Hodge who would frequently visit my mum at home.
“Asthma is prevalent in my mum’s family, her mum and sister also passed away from the disease, so it is a worry for us all, but I don’t think people realise just how dangerous it can be.
“Special thanks must go to my friend Brenda who volunteered to wrap the prizes and sell tickets, as well as all the local businesses who have done their bit to support a good cause.”
Asthma specialist nurse Catherine Hodge said: “Nasreen’s mum was a lovely lady who we got to know very well during her illness.
“It is really lovely of her to fund raise for our service in her mum’s memory.”
The raffle is due to be drawn in early April. Tickets are £1 a strip and are available from: Party Planners 52a Cargo Fleet Lane, Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Aspire Hairdressing and Beauty, 155 Linthorpe Road, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 9am-6pm, Thursday, 10am-8pm; Nasreen Younis email nasreen.nazier@gmail.com or ring 07814 635717 or donations can be made via http://bit.ly/1MDjEr0.
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