Like millions around the world, I have been stunned by the tragic death of Natasha Richardson, a beautiful, talented, warm and intelligent woman in the prime of her life.
She was such a shining star – in more ways than one – and in tribute to her, all the lights in Broadway will be dimmed for one minute tonight.
My thoughts are with her devastated family, especially her two sons aged 12 and 13. They do not mourn alone.
Her death followed a ski accident and has resulted in the charity Headway, which I support as a trustee, being inundated with calls for information about their services; Headway provides rehabilitation for adults with an acquired brain injury.
Everyday families contact the Headway Helpline with their own tragic stories about family members who have sustained terrible head injuries. It provides a freephone helpline.
A fund in Natasha’s name has been set up to support them. Chief Exec Peter McCabe said:
“‘Natasha’s Fund’ will enable Headway’s Helpline to provide information to brain injury survivors and their families. It costs just under £300 per day to maintain this vitally important service.”
As I have said many times, a devastating head injury can happen to anyone at any time. The support we offer is a lifeline for survivors of brain injury and their families.
How tragic to read of the death of this fine actress.
Great Work Elle
A very worthy cause, brain injuries are such a fragile thing to treat.
OK
Yes, it is a very worthy cause.
This news actually shook my young sons for once. They are ski racers and think they are invincible and when they are just pottering about on green slopes I often have to nag them to keep their ski helmets on. I pointed out that Natasha had suffered her injury on a lesson on a green slope (virtually flat in the opinion of my sons) and I could see it registering with them. Well, I hope so anyway.
And yes, head injuries can happen to any of us at any time – you don’t need to be doing anything remotely dangerous.
It makes us all realise how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken from us. Good to hear that such a tragedy will have the positive effect of raising the profile of Headway.
Reluctant Blogger, I’m glad to hear your sons wear ski helmets.
Caroline, It takes a high profile accident like this involving a head injury to make people realise how vulnerable we are to a life changing accident like this.
[…] quoteflections put an intriguing blog post on Please support the Natasha FundHere’s a quick excerptLike millions around the world, I have been stunned by the tragic death of Natasha Richardson, a beautiful, talented, warm and intelligent woman in […]