Family Honors Daughter's Memory Through Rainbows Hospice Fundraising
In June, seven-year-old Erinne Budd from Melton Mowbray tragically passed away from a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumor. Her symptoms began fifteen months earlier, escalating rapidly, and within weeks, her parents, Jenn and Chris, received the devastating news that their daughter had only six to twelve months to live.
Following the diagnosis, Erinne underwent radiotherapy, and her family embarked on a mission to create lasting memories. They enjoyed family holidays, trips to Disneyland Paris, London, zoos, and theme parks. Erinne even met the Red Arrows and served as a mascot for the Red Roses at Twickenham. She learned to swim, ride horses, and adopted a beloved pet snake named Popcorn.
Creating a Lifetime of Memories
Chris reflected on their approach, stating, "Knowing that she was inevitably going to die, the priority was to give Erinne the best quality of life and cram a whole lifetime of stuff into what we had left with her. We needed to make that time as amazing as we could." They explained to Erinne that she had a lump in her head causing her to feel unwell, and because of her bravery, they were taking her on many adventures. Her own priorities included returning to school, learning to swim, and going on holiday.
Jenn described Erinne as a very active child who loved being outdoors. Six months after the diagnosis, the family began their journey with Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. "Rainbows was with us for every stage of Erinne's journey, and that was so important for us and Erinne. We simply couldn't have managed our journey without Rainbows, and it was so much more than the facilities," Jenn said.
The Role of Rainbows Hospice
Erinne cherished her time at Rainbows, particularly the Arts and Crafts room, Hydrotherapy Pool, Music Room, and Soft Play room. Jenn noted that Rainbows provided a safe space where Erinne did not view it as a medical facility. The hospice's support extended to the family, with Jenn's parents attending the Grandparents Group, which offered tremendous and niche support.
In their darkest moments, Jenn and Chris wanted Erinne to spend her final days at home. The highly skilled specialist nurses at Rainbows made this possible. Their expert use of a specialized 'cool blanket' allowed Erinne to remain at home after her death, enabling wider family members to visit, offer kisses and cuddles, and say their goodbyes.
Jenn praised the hospice staff, saying, "The strong and incredible people are the fabric of Rainbows. They deal with things that are really heartbreaking, but you would never know it. Everyone wears a smile, and I have never known a place to have such a positive atmosphere and culture; it is incredible. They truly are wonderful people." She added that the Hospice at Home team was brilliant, dignified, and professional, interacting with Erinne respectfully even after her passing.
Fundraising in Erinne's Memory
Chris shared that Erinne loved having her own room at Rainbows, enjoying sensory baths and drinking chocolate milk. She also enjoyed meeting therapy dogs and bringing their family dog, Megan, for visits. Rainbows provided a happy place for Erinne, even during her most difficult days. At home, visits from complementary therapists and play specialists offered breaks from medical care and helped create precious memories.
Now, Jenn, Chris, and their extended family are dedicated to supporting Rainbows, which relies on fundraising to provide services to babies, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions in the East Midlands. Chris explained, "We want to raise money for Rainbows to keep Erinne's memory alive. In May 2025, Erinne wanted to hold a fundraiser and raised £88 for Rainbows." In her memory, their community of family and friends has already raised over £4,000.
"What's important to us is that she is talked about and remembered, but we know that anyone who ever met her will never forget her. Erinne was such a good kid and always had a smile on her face, even when things weren't particularly positive," Chris said. He recalled Erinne's kindness, such as checking on other children in the hospital and giving stickers to nurses, emphasizing that she lived life to the fullest.
Community Efforts and Challenges
On June 19, Erinne's aunt, Elisabeth Whitehouse from Tamworth, will undertake the Rainbows Wing Walk in Northamptonshire in memory of her niece. She will be strapped to an aircraft soaring between 100ft and 700ft, reaching speeds of 80mph to 110mph. Elisabeth stated, "I wanted to do something to mark a year on, something that really would challenge me. I knew Erinne would sign me up for something like this, as she knew I am a little bit crazy." She acknowledged the challenge but is committed to doing it in Erinne's memory, highlighting the incredible care Rainbows provided.
Additionally, James Marman, a friend of Chris from Melton Mowbray, ran 5K every day in February, raising over £1,000 for Rainbows. After visiting the hospice and witnessing the care given to Erinne and her family, he felt compelled to contribute. James said, "It felt deeply meaningful to run in memory of Erinne, which is a huge honour." He initially aimed to raise £1,000 but exceeded expectations, reaching nearly £1,800 through community support.
The family's efforts continue to honor Erinne's legacy, ensuring that Rainbows can support other families facing similar challenges, while keeping her spirit alive through acts of kindness and fundraising.
