12 February 2013

hello

Hello

 I don't really know what to say. I'm Milly and I'm 14. Today is a whole month since my sister had to go and although sometimes it seems a long time it is also like it happened yesterday. Alice left me a special silver necklace with her fingerprint pushed into it so I can put my finger in the shape and it's like we're touching each other again.

 I promised Alice that I would climb Kilimanjaro and take some of her ashes up there and I'm going to try to do that in October. Another thing I promised was to keep doing her blog, but not as much as she did. Just little bits so that you know what we're doing. I think I'm meant to tell you about charity stuff.  Her caravan is really nice and she would of liked it loads. I think she might of moved into it. Soon we will have families using it and we will help them. She also told me that I have to do something with my life. I like writing and media stuff and travelling and fashion but I don't know exactly what I want to do. 

Lots of people have sent really good things for in the caravan and for the children and I am writing all the thank you cards, but only if we got the address on the paper with the present. I'm trying to think of something good to say about a toilet brush but there isn't anything apart from we needed one :)

 We are having a open day at the caravan in March so I will ask Mum when it is and I'll put it on here and then you can come and see the caravan and meet us all if you live close enough.

 Love Milly x


71 comments:

  1. Jim and Sandie13 February 2013 at 00:07

    Milly, I am really proud of you for taking over your sister's blog. We really appreciate it because we grew to love you as well as Alice as she wrote about your lives together. Thank you for keeping us updated.

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  2. Cat13 February 2013 at 00:15

    Hi Milly - Your sister was such an inspiration to us, and it was obvious how much she loved you and the rest of her family. I live in the United States so unfortunately I can't visit the caravan, but I am sure what you're doing to put it together in Alice's honor will be amazing.

    I am the younger sister of a girl who also died from cancer, leukemia in fact. It was many years ago, but it hit me very hard. My older sister Page was my rock. People used to call me "Mini Page" because we were so much alike. I know how hard it is to lose a big sister, and I hope you're doing okay. Soon, although never soon enough, the most difficult pain will leave and you will have the most treasured memories.

    Alice is so proud of you. And from what she wrote, you were the most amazing sister in the world.

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  3. TTBA(v)JD13 February 2013 at 00:41

    Hello Milly, that's a very lovely first post, great to hear you're keeping busy with all the things Alice would have liked you to do.

    I'm an Over The Wall volunteer (we were at the same Dorset camp twice, but I was with green boys so we wouldn't have met properly) and I've written to you through PostPals in the past.
    I look forward to reading your future blogposts, even if they're not frequent. Maybe you could post some photos of the caravan when it's up and running?

    I hope you're in good health and that you and your family are doing ok. I wish your mum luck in her campaign with the DVLA.

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  4. Two Roflers13 February 2013 at 01:02

    Hey Milly, thank you for your post. I am so sorry for your loss. I was really inspired by your sister's story and it encouraged me to join the register aswell as to get others to sign up too. I will keep checking in to hear how all your great charity work is going. Love L x

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  5. Sea13 February 2013 at 01:12

    Don't wish to be harsh...but I sentAlice a knitted headscarf...it took time to knit it. I only knew to send it to Alice, Ulverston...but she never aknowledged it...did it ever arrive? It just makes me sad that I sent something she could have used..and perhaps the good old post office never delivered?

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  6. Eleanor at Mirror Of My World13 February 2013 at 01:32

    milly you are amazing and i hope you and your family are doing ok. keep doing the great work youre doing and good luck for kilamanjaro :) x

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  7. EllensCreativePassage13 February 2013 at 01:36

    It's very nice of you Milly to honor Alice by keeping her blog for her. I appreciate it, hope the days get easier for you.

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  8. dana13 February 2013 at 01:54

    Milly you did just great! Just helping keep awareness of you sister and the work your family does will help keep her memory alive. I send you a hug from way out west...in New Mexico, USA. I will keep checking in and hope to see you grow into your own! Blessings!

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  9. Amanda13 February 2013 at 02:29

    Good job on keeping up your sister's work, Milly. Please take care of yourself -- we're still thinking about you and all your family.

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  10. Salty Pumpkin Studio13 February 2013 at 03:28

    Hello Milly,
    Its great to see you here posting. I look forward to reading the updates and your adventures.
    The best to you and your family

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  11. Jennifer13 February 2013 at 03:52

    Milly! How wonderful that you are carrying on Alice's wishes! I cannot imagine how much you miss her... but I know that she lives on forever and is smiling down on all of you for carrying on, and not dropping into a deep depression.

    Make your bucket list! Find your light, and make it shine bright... Your family is destined to do great things - for Alice opened that door for you before she left.

    *hugs* and whatever you do, KEEP WRITING!

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  12. Lisa @ Blithe Moments13 February 2013 at 04:08

    Milly well done on taking up the blog. Alice was such an inspiration and all the charity work is going to make such a positive difference to so many people. Just pop on now and again and tell us how it going, we love hearing, even people like me who live on the other side of the world (Australia).
    Hugs you you and all your family.

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  13. Gary13 February 2013 at 04:25

    Thanks Milly for taking over the job of updating us all. Please know how much your sister, your parents, and you have been of such an inspiration to everyone you've met either in person or through the blog. I think of all of you constantly and continue praying for you and your parents. I, like so many others, have been challenged by you all to make my own life count for something important too. I have a 20 yr. old daughter Molly whose courage, strenghth, and loving spirit remind me of both you and Alice. Please draw from the love and comfort being shared by us all to help you through those difficult times and lean upon God for His strength and comfort too. All our love!!

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  14. AntiAvenger13 February 2013 at 05:16

    Rock on Milly! The Kilimanjaro trip should be amazing and I'm glad to see you want to keep this going. It should be interesting to see what more good can come from this (and here's to hoping for lots).

    As for you, no rush on figuring out what you wanna do just yet. You probably got two more years.

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  15. Lesley G13 February 2013 at 07:15

    Bless you, Milly, I'm sure Alice is watching you and smiling. Be who you want to be and good luck in everything you do x

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  16. raasan13 February 2013 at 07:39

    Dearest We suppose you are being with us.

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  17. raasan13 February 2013 at 07:42

    Every one shares it!

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  18. andy from embsay13 February 2013 at 07:46

    Thanks for keeping this going, Milly - let us know about the open day. All our family live in Ulverston so we're there quite a lot.

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  19. Vera Amos13 February 2013 at 08:48

    Your amazing and strong, Alice must be so proud of you. Good luck with Kili.
    :) x

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  20. Kelly Innes13 February 2013 at 09:34

    Hey Milly and welcome to the blogosphere. Your sister did an awesome job and I know from what she wrote how proud she was to have you as a sister. I have no doubt that you will do her proud whatever you do. Big hugs!

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  21. Eileen13 February 2013 at 10:24

    Hello Milly, it's lovely to hear from you. Your first post is excellent and I'm really looking forward to hearing what you get up to in the future.

    Please don't forget to add things about yourself so that we can get to know you as well as we knew Alice. Take care.

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  22. Unknown13 February 2013 at 10:47

    A lovely blog entry, thank you for carrying on your sister's blog.
    Xx

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  23. Beanie Mouse13 February 2013 at 10:50

    Hello Milly!! Thanks for updating here!! Always good to read about the caravan. Hope your trip to Kilimanjaro goes well!

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  24. Valula13 February 2013 at 10:55

    Hi Milly, good first post, I am sure Alice would be very proud x :-)

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  25. Melanie13 February 2013 at 11:23

    Good work keeping up posting Milly! We all really appreciate. I was really sad when I read that Alice had left us all, but nothing compared to how you must be feeling. Just keep doing your best and that's all any of us can do in life! Massive hugs!!!!

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  26. Paula13 February 2013 at 11:41

    What a lovely first post Milly. Alice was such an inspiration and she was so lucky to have you as her sister, you too really are amazing. I wish you every success in all you do and I'll be watching out for your posts here.

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  27. Lainey13 February 2013 at 11:54

    Just as everyone else has said, it is wonderful that you are continuing Alice's blog. Best of luck with the Kilimanjaro climb - keep blogging about the fundraising and training. Looking forward to seeing your pictures from Tanzania!

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  28. Unknown13 February 2013 at 12:08

    Millie, I really love your post: moved by it. I hope you decide to keep writing here - but only if you wish to. And maybe you'll continue writing in the future, as I love your touching style and tender humour. The toilet brush comment was sublime and made me smile. I write a bit. And your words about the necklace & the fingerprint reminded me of something I wrote and I want to share with you: http://youtu.be/wJP_3lOj-8s It's called: "When the wind makes it so", and it's about always being together even when we are apart. And about hope and love.
    Bless you for continuing with this blog. Much love to you all.

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  29. Mike13 February 2013 at 12:26

    Take care Milly and family, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

    Congratulations as well! You said you liked writing, well, you are off to a great start! You'll figure out what to do, all in good time. I'm sure Alice will send you a sign when you are heading in the right direction of figuring it out. :)

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  30. Chaviva13 February 2013 at 12:43

    Hello, Milly,

    You must miss your sister very much - many people miss her right along with you, though no relationship is quite as special as sisters.

    How wonderful that you're keeping up what Alice started, Milly! You are braver than I am, to even think of climbing Kilimanjaro. I'm sure it'll be a great adventure and big success for you.

    xo
    Bobbi

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  31. Anonymous13 February 2013 at 13:05

    Milly,
    I am so sorry for your loss....your sister would be proud of you. Alice will continue to live on through everyone that loved her and and the wonderful good she did. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  32. Tony D13 February 2013 at 18:55

    If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
    Do you remember this ??
    You can touch thousands of lives through Alice's Blog, make it your own, run with it, embrace it.
    Alice has left you a beautiful and powerful legacy. I hope it brings great joy to you and the world. May the Angels always watch over you.
    To Alice.
    If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A cherished place within our heart Is where you'll always stay

    USA


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  33. Ann K13 February 2013 at 19:37

    Milly. Thank you for continuing the wonderful work that your sister started. Her legacy can live on with you and the blog. I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister was an inspiration to me (as is your entire family). I am a registered bone marrow donor due to her efforts. Please look after yourself and know that I am thinking of your family. Your first post was great and I look forward to me. A big huge from Philadelphia, PA (USA).

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  34. aly13 February 2013 at 20:27

    Hi Milly,

    Looks like you will do very well with the blog posts. I am so sorry for the loss of Alice. What a true inspiration she was and continues to be. I wish you the best of luck with Kili!

    Hugs and love,
    Aly in SC, USA

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  35. Sandra13 February 2013 at 20:52

    Dear Milly
    How nice to hear from you. Thank you for posting to let us now on how you feel and what is going on in your life and with the charity. Alice were right in telling you that you need to look for your future.

    You are the best little sister one could have and such a sweetheart darling. I know you will make your way in life.

    And good luck with klimbing Kili...

    Kenya became my second home... I have often been there... there is magic in the air... you will love it and will feel the magic and Alice will be so close to you.

    All my best and keep us updated here and then. Sandra from Germany

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  36. Geves Lafosse13 February 2013 at 21:17

    Well done, Milly, that must have been hard. I often think of you and your Mum and Dad and wonder how things are. We lost our Juliette to leukaemia ten years ago when she was five, and I think it would have been lovely for her sister to have written about Juliette in the way you are doing about Alice and you. xxx

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  37. Natalie13 February 2013 at 22:29

    Thanks for sharing Milly. I've been checking for an update. Carry on the good work. Your sister did an amazing job starting and I am sure you will do an amazing job continuing

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  38. nomz13 February 2013 at 22:43

    Thanks Milly, I know how hard this would have been, but I really appreciate it
    xoxo

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  39. Jamie13 February 2013 at 23:06

    Milly,
    I am sorry for the loss of your sister, I have lost one myself as well.
    Your sister was put on this earth for a very short time but she accomplished a lot. Now she is your very special angel.
    BUT you are on this earth for a special reason as well. While you might not know it yet, you have touched a lot of people as well.
    Whatever you choose to do with your life, Milly, I know you will do it well and to the best of your ability.
    BOTH you girls are special.
    Don't EVER forget that.

    Take care, Milly.

    Jamie

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  40. Clare McKenna13 February 2013 at 23:13

    That is so sweet!

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  41. Marie Smith14 February 2013 at 06:20

    Thank you Milly for the update. I am glad you have the necklace. Love is forever. Please keep writing and know that people around the world care about you and your family.

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  42. Stephannie Lancaster14 February 2013 at 15:06

    good luck climbing mount Kilimanjaro i would love to try and do that with you if you want support etc. contact me via www.stephannieblog.blogspot.com

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  43. ricketyjo14 February 2013 at 16:11

    Hi Milly. That was a lovely first post. Best of luck with your climb later in the year. Please do come here now and again and let us know what you have been up to. It is really nice to hear from you. xx

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  44. Witchygrrl14 February 2013 at 19:39

    Hello Milly,

    what a lovely surprise to see your post.It's a lovely thing to do to carry on Alice's work. I hope you find your voice and what you want to do. There's no rush. I wish you and your family all the best.

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  45. Daisy14 February 2013 at 21:50

    Lovely to hear from you Milly. I've been thinking about you and your Mum and Dad. Well done for keeping the blog going. xx

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  46. Patricia15 February 2013 at 02:52

    Lovely post Milly ! Good for you, sweet girl, keeping up your big sisters blog. She was and will be very,very proud of you....You sound like you are going to accomplish wonderful things ! But you have plenty of time - just enjoy being young right now !! Keep us posted on how you and your family are doing ! Lots of Love from Cleveland, Ohio, USA

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  47. Unknown15 February 2013 at 02:58

    Very nicely done Milly. Your sister would be SO proud of you. You sound like a great sister. My very best to you and your family.

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  48. TinTin15 February 2013 at 09:44

    Happy Belated Birthday, Milly.
    I'm sure you'll accomplish a lot in your life. You have time!
    I can understand having as inspirational and amazing sister like Alice can almost feel a little daunting, but you are YOU, and absolutely good enough and quite fantastic too.
    Thanks for posting!

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  49. nicolettewellsphotography.com15 February 2013 at 10:50

    Lovely to hear from you Milly! Keep up the good work, you are doing a sterling job! Alice would be so proud of you I'm sure :D I look forward to following you and your families successes xx

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  50. Bethan15 February 2013 at 11:28

    Hi Milly,
    Like everyone has said already, thank you and well done for posting on the blog. It feels nice that it can continue. You are clearly like Alice, with your commitment and determination to make the most of life. I hope that you are cuddling the dogs when you need a soft and furry hug. It is really nice of you to keep us updated as it is great to hear how the charity is progressing - and we look forward to hearing how your climb preparation goes! I hope everyone sponsors you.
    With much love
    Bethan xx

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  51. Unknown15 February 2013 at 19:21

    Milly, Alice would be so proud of you for that post, it can't have been easy. It was lovely to see it come up on my blog news and I look forward to seeing more of you.

    You made me laugh when you said about the toilet brush - they are very useful! ;-)

    Good luck with the climb. I love the necklace Alice gave you, what a special thing to have.

    You will work out what you want to do, you have fantastic parents who I'm sure will help and support you to do it too.

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  52. Anonymous15 February 2013 at 19:32

    I come back to Alice's blog every now and then and what a lovely surprise to see your post. Touching is important, it's how we speak when we don't have the words, sometimes it's the only way we can communicate.

    Loo brushes are important too, as are kettles, and kitchen paper and all sorts of mundane everyday stuff. But it is in the everyday that we remember our friends and family. Keep the everyday important. x

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  53. MEM16 February 2013 at 14:44

    Hi Milly, thanks so much for writing. I know what you mean about it seeming like a long time ago but then again, just like yesterday since Alice left us. I lost my sister almost 11 years ago and it's the same for me. I guess that feeling never goes away. The wound is so tender in these early days and you'll carry it with you always but it will be better in time. I love that you have the fingerprint necklace, what a comfort it must be. So glad you're carrying on Alice's legacy. It was a privlege to share in Alice's life through her amazing blog. Thanks so much for writing, you did it beautifully. You're only 14 and you've got the whole world in front of you, so you'll figure out what you want to do as you grow. I hope you do continue to keep us posted because we've all grown to care so much about you and your family. Love from MEM in NB,Canada

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  54. Purly Princess17 February 2013 at 15:02

    Best of luck with it all Milly. Will be nice to hear how you and your family are doing!

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  55. Unknown17 February 2013 at 15:28

    God bless you, and your family.I admire Alice and you all , the way you have supported Alice and the way she lived her life.She is a beacon for humanity, on how to face odds against us in life. I learnt about her from my son Dr RamanDeep (RD), my son.

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  56. Unknown18 February 2013 at 21:49

    Happy first post! It's lovely that you're carrying on with the blog, and we look forward to hearing more about you and your family as you get on. The fingerprint necklace is such a touching idea. It's nice that you two were so close. Xx

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  57. Cle Reveries18 February 2013 at 21:59

    Hi Milly, I really admire you. To see this blog alive makes me feel like seeing her posting her fabulous projects here. For that, I thank you very much. I'll go on passing here to follow you like I did in the past.
    Wishing to you all, Alice's dearest family, to live a calm happy existence as you deserve. Alice is smiling, watching you from Paradise.
    A hug
    Cle Reveries

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  58. Annabel19 February 2013 at 14:34

    Hi Milly!

    Great work on keeping this very special page going. It's a reminder to me when I visit to live life to the full and that we only get one shot at this.

    The fingerprint necklace sounds like a perfect thing to treasure. Alice seemed to have a natural ability to touch people's hearts - though I didn't get to meet her in person, her words did more than enough to convey that to strangers so it's lovely to hear that you enjoy writing too.

    Looking forward to hearing more about the caravan and the training for Kili. Good luck!

    Annabel x

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  59. Mrs. Bizzle19 February 2013 at 21:39

    Hi Milly,
    Thanks for the update! I've been wondering about the blog and I'm very happy to see you're keeping it going. It looks like Alice has made sure you've got plenty to do to keep you busy! Hopefully it will help keep you focused on all the exciting things ahead, but I know you miss Alice terribly. I'll keep praying for you and your family. God bless!

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  60. Unknown26 February 2013 at 00:00

    Hello, Milly.
    I think you're very brave and you have a gift for writing, like your sister did. I wanted to let you know that I kind of understand how you feel because my mom passed away two weeks ago. I still can't really wrap my head around it, and maybe you still have those days sometimes, too - where it doesn't quite seem real. It's okay to feel that way. Anyway, I just wanted to send you some love and encouragement from the United States. God bless and strengthen you and your family!

    Rebecca

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  61. Kat26 February 2013 at 07:14

    Milly,

    I am sorry for your loss, your sister was a huge inspiration to a lot of people. I have no doubt that you are going to do something amazing with your life, as you too are an amazing person. Thank you for continuing to write and keep up Alice's blog. It is a really great thing you are doing. :) *hugs*

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  62. Andrea27 February 2013 at 11:11

    Milly

    So proud of you continuing to update this blog!

    See you soon

    Andrea xoxoxo

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  63. Debbie L27 February 2013 at 11:21

    Oh sweet Milly, my heart aches for you, It's lovely that you have such a personal keepsake of Alice - you will always be together in your heart. It's so touching how close you all are as a family, and I know that Alice was and still is extremely proud of you all - you're truly amazing! I'll be keeping a look out for news of Alices Escapes and the momentous climb.... Good Luck to you all xx

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  64. Preface Communications2 March 2013 at 16:48

    you are really so cute

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  65. Patricia2 March 2013 at 20:59

    Hi Sweet Girl....Hope you and your Mum and Dad are doing well as can be expected....Prayers are with you all ! Love from Cleveland Ohio xx

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  66. Anonymous3 March 2013 at 23:42

    Milly, you are amazing.

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  67. Lori0120685 March 2013 at 19:02

    Hello Milly,

    What a wonderful way to keep Alice's memory and cause alive. Many Blessings to you and your family!

    God's Blessings and Love,

    Lori Netsell
    USA

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  68. Caroline8 March 2013 at 21:37

    Hi Milly,
    I got your thank you card in the post today for a gift I donated to the caravan. It was a lovely surprise to come home to, thank you.
    Because of Alice I signed up to the bone marrow register last year.
    Good luck with all the fundraising you and your family are doing, and the training for K2B!
    Caroline

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  69. Danielle Marie Peck8 March 2013 at 21:58

    Dear Milly,
    Thanks for the lovely update. I'm so very sorry for the loss you've endured but I know Alice would be so proud of how you're carrying on. She left a beautiful legacy for the world and I'm sure it'll be quite a challenge to fulfill it. Don't forget to find your own joy though, even while you're working on doing the things Alice left for you.

    you're a beautiful girl and such an inspiration to so many. We all fell in love with you as well as Alice as we followed along on her journey. Please give your Dad and Mum a hug for us, and one for you too.

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  70. Isha Barthwal6 June 2013 at 18:26

    helloo milly....actually i used to follow alices blog months back and i haven't been quite in touch..i had studies .i remember how i used to RT for her bone marrow campaign...I am so sorry for the loss....i cried... your sister was soo corageous...I din't even know the news until i read the blog.....keep the courage...You are such an inspiration Milly and alice must be so proud ...stay strong girl...you have your sisters blessing....thanks..:)

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  71. alicekouzmenko9 August 2013 at 15:39

    I have only just found this blog, but I think that what you are doing is absolutely inspirational, and I wish you all the luck in the world! You have an amazing energy and determination, and you are the type of person I strive to be. Good luck with everything. Your sister would be proud of you xoxo

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