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Plea:
Our life was never to be the same again.
On the evening of the 26th February 2016, I had a gut feeling something just wasnt right,I knew my daughter was ill. My husband was in America with work and I was alone at home with my two boys and daughter. I had to ask my neighbour to take me to A&E as I don’t drive.
It wasn’t long before my worst fears were to come true. Poppy-Mai had cancer. Andy was rushed home and our daughter was transfered to Addenbrooks hospital in Cambridge. We learnt that her cancer was more serious than we thought and it soon progressed into her brain. We were then told that we only had 2 days left with her. Time stood still as the doctor spoke, we couldn’t believe what we were being told.
We sat at Poppy-mai’s bed side watching her play with her toys and trying to understand what we had just been told. POPPY-MAI came home, it was the best place for her. We underestimated her strength, she gave us 1 day short of 7 weeks. The memories we made were priceless and Poppy-Mai helped us to smile for a little longer. Our daughter grew her wings on the 3rd May 2016.
We vowed not to let her die for nothing, so we have set up a charity to help terminally ill children make memories with their families. Our aim is to take away the financial burden of having somewhere to stay while making those precious memories. Poppy-Mai had taught us to get out of our comfort zone. I did a 15,000ft sky dive and plan to do more.
Everything we do, we take her with us as her Ashes are inside a teddy bear, ‘Poppy-mai Bear”. Having her in the bear has helped us and the boys, they can still cuddle their baby sister
What others have said:
Sammi lost her beloved daughter Poppy-Mai on May 3rd this year. Sammi and her husband have shared their journey with Poppy-Mai on Facebook, not for their own gain, but to raise awareness of this killer disease. Throughout her own suffering, Sammi has been absolutely amazing and continues to strive to make Poppys Field, a respite centre for sick children, a reality. So far the fund has reached nearly £80,000 in just a few months/ Sammi really is one in a million.
I’ve voted for sammi Barnard as I think she’s incredible going through all that she has losing her precious princess poppy mai again trying to put on that smile for sake of her little boys. Sammi is an amazing young woman that’s gone through hell? this would be really nice for sammi and she’s a very deserving person I think should get the award xxxx #strongertogether ??
After following the journey of poppy-Mai and the Barnard family one true princess touched me but not just that Sammie was so so strong beautiful and open with her story she is truly amazing and has a beautiful hart she deserves to have it noticed that she lost a part of her that day poppy-Mai grew her wings but she is doing somthing so selfless buy raising awareness and makeing poppy fields happen for her beautiful princess Sammie is beautiful inside and out she is inspirational ?
I’ve followed the journey from the start ?
What an amazing women Sammi is. The heartbreak and pain she goes through every day and she still manages to smile and keep going. She’s an inspirational women and deserves this award
Ive never really found anyone inspirational before ive admired peoole from afar. But in March 2016 i came across Poppy-Mais Journal and for the first time I was inspired by the Love of and grief of a mother who not only had to sit and go thru such a heartbreaking time but also showed humility and compassion for others. Sammi is the most amazing woman i have actually had the pleasure of meeting. Her Strength is beyind amazing and she is the most Humble woman i know xx
One of the strongest mums ever! Your doing your precious Angel proud ?
I vote for sammi ive followed the jornal they shared with us and you are so strong poppy mai is now helping you stay strong x such a wonderful mummy no one should have to say good byr to there babies x
#strongertogether xxx
Sammi bernard is an Incredible selfless insprational strong woman who deserves this so much. despite suffering horrendous heart ache every day since her beautiful little poppy mai was taken, she has throughout held her head high and continued to battle her fears to raise money for other children and families suffering the same nightmare to make poppy field a reality to allow others to make precious memorys #Strongertogether
Sammi you get my vote your truly inspirational nobody should have to suffer the lose of a baby it’s heartbreaking but you stand strong a move mountains to help others in the same situation your strength is amazing I’m honoured to have been a part of your journey and watching poppys field become reality . Poppy mai will be so proud of you your an amazing lady and mum to all three children
I’ve voted for Sammi because as a mum myself I cannot even begin to imagine the journey she has faced and still facing while showing such strength to her boys and her determination that little poppy’s passing not be in vain and that poppy’s field will become a reality,that have the strength to create ‘the journal of poppy-mai ‘ to raise awareness whilst losing her is so admirable and humbling because I couldn’t possibly find the strength to do it, sammi us absolutely amazing
Voted for sammi if anyone deserves this its sammi she has shown the nation true strength and courage all in the name of her beautiful daughter poppy mai .
REPLY
Sammi is a remarkable brave strong woman and mother who deserves the award , wholeheartedly . She is a truly inspiration. She goes throw a heartbreaking time but she raise money for other children and they families who goes to the same nightmare. To make Poppysfield a reality to allow other families to make beautiful memories.
#strongertogether
Sammi Barnard is one of the toughest women I’ve ever heard of. She was brave enough to take on a challenge that no mother should have to even think about doing. She was brave enough to tell herself that Poppy-Mai was ill, at which point, she took the tragic news by herself. She must have felt so alone. Imagine how painful that must have been for her: being told her one and only daughter had cancer. After that she worked hard with her husband to make sure Poppy-Mai had the best life she could in the time she had left. When Poppy-Mai grew her angel wings, Sammi worked even harder to fundraise for her daughter’s legacy. #StrongerTogether
Sammi is a truly inspirational Mother, no parent should have to go through the heartache of losing their child, but Poppy-Mai’s legacy will live on, with the cancer charity set up by her parents, to help other children and their families, who will be facing the same tragic circumstances as Poppy-Mai’s parents, and to help ease the heartbreak of losing a child ❤
Keep strong your doing fab with what your doing your an amazing mummy to your children and your angel daughter will be watching over you and be so proud! X
I have voted for sammi as she inspires me every day she is a beautiful lady inside and out. Every event for poppy-mai that sammi attends she always has time for everyone.. nd manages to smile and is so appreciative of everything everyone is doing. For her to be grieving have 2 sons. 6 and under and still manage to run a journal with over 40,000 ppl on help ppl if they need it and setting up a charity which will give so many children and families precious memories is just amazing.. sammi and andy and the boys and of course poppy-mai will forever be in my heart #strongertogether always
I have voted for sammi as she is one of the strongest mother I have ever known she has shared her beautiful daughter with the world while going through the grieve of losing her daughter to a horrible for of cancer many of us didn’t know about
Loosing a child is terrible in it’s self but to do something in her memory for other family’s suffering is such a selfless act , both Sammie and her husband deserve everything and so much more xxx
Sammi barnard is the mother of poppy mai whom grew here angel wings on may 2016 sammi is remarkable lady she has shared her precious princess right from the beginning of her illness with 40 000 people and has held it together in the peoples presents and she puts everything into fundraising for the rest bite retreate called poppy’s field this lady’s heart is breaking but her future is poppy’s field sammi inspires so many people to stay motivated and focused and everybody’s grieving and her own also to all followers on face book on poppy mai journal there was an open invitation to all to attend the celebration of life for poppy mai this included poppy’s Eddie stobbart truck named after her what a lady #strongertogether
I’m voting for sammi , her self & Andy are amazing trying there very best at everything trying to get through this extremely hard time in there life & so far they’re doing great ‘ poppy field’ will get completed ! Poppy _Mai the little girl who stole the nation’s heart ?? sleep tight x
I am voting for sammi, her self & andy they r so amazing trying they r doing there very best at everything and trying to get through this extremely hard time in there life. poppymais field wil get comleted by everyone in the community that had help poppymais mum & dad n her brothers n the family to raise all the money it wil be so lovely when it is up and running, sleep tight poppymai
I have voted for Sammi as the most inspirational mother for sharing Poppy-Mai’s story with everyone! I knew that children got cancer but didn’t realise until following Poppy-Mai’s journey just how many children got it and how little funding funding goes towards childhood cancer. Sammi has helped to raise awareness of childhood cancer and will continue to do so through the Poppy-Mai Foundation. Through the hardest time in her life Sammi showed amazing strength for her family and showed strength to other families going through the same awful thing. Sammi is still thinking of other families by planning to open Poppy’s field! Xx
I voted for sammi because of the amazing work she has done, her strength, devotion and determination is beyond words. As new mum at the time of my heart broke hearing the news, and following her journey that sammi shared to us all meant that her death was not in vain. She has inspired thousands of people. She deserves this award Poppy-Mai will live on in our hearts. Sleep well you beautiful angel xxx
Sammi and her husband Andy are both remarkable people. What they have been through and what they have now achieved is amazing. #strongertogether x
The beautiful strong caring mummy of the amazing poppy-mai a princess who fought as hard as she could and stole the hearts of everyone. Sammi deserves this award after everything this family have done and achieved for their beautiful little Angel princesses memory poppy will always be with you and remembered by everyone God bless you all xxx
Sammi is the most selfless mother I have ever met, sharing her daughter with us the public after facing her worst nightmares. Sammi could have shut herself and her babies away from us all whilst fighting for every last second with her warrior princess but she didn’t. I could only ever wish for an ounce of her strength. Sammi is beautiful inside and out and is always giving herself to others when she could so easily shut herself away from the world. Having the pleasure of watching her throw herself from a plane to raise much needed funds for Poppy’s field was magical specially knowing Poppy Mai was with her every step of the way…
Sammi you are my inspiration day in and day out…❤️ #strongertogether.
I am voting for sammi because no one deserves this award more than sammi and her husband andy what they have been through is every parents worst nightmare yet they still put a smile on there faces and continue to look after there 2 little boys and help other people who are going through what they are going threw no one deserves it more .xx
I voted for sammi as she is an inspiration to the world.. Sammi,Andy and the boys went threw the most heartbreaking time of there lives yet stayed so strong.. #strongertogether forever and always ???
I vote for Sammi and Andy such brave people all they went through losing there daughter poppi mai while all the time funding for other sick children to build a holiday place for others yet grieving and looking after there two sons they deserve award
As a mother myself who’s own daughter had cancer, the thought of losing your child is THE most heart wrenching thing you could possibly go through. Sammi has shown dignity, for herself and for her beautiful daughter, sharing Poppie-mais’s ordeal and her fight against this horrible disease. Her journey was raw and heartbreaking but always honest showing what her brave daughter fought against. She not only raised thousands of pounds but raised awareness of childrens cancer. She also continued to care for and bring up her 2 gorgeous boys even though the thought of doing anything at all must be a daily struggle. This lady deserves this award for herself and for her little warrior. ???
I am voting for Sammi as a truly inspirational mother, I have never met her but have admired her from afar, the strength and dignity that she has shown when her daughter was poorly and after her daughters passing has been so humbling to witness. I will never forget the tenderness of Sammi washing her little girl in a hospital bed. Most people would have fallen apart but despite her grief and despair, Sammi has been raising awareness of this disease and raising funds to help other children and their families that are suffering in the future and for me this is truly awe inspiring.
I vote for sammy such an amazing mummy …even though she went through the hurt and pain of losing poppy mai …she still managed to carry on caring for her two beautiful boys …I dont think I could of been that strong ….she deserves this award a million times over…no mother should ever have to go through what sammy and her amazing husband did ….I have followed there journey from beginning too end and what an inspiration she has been too all mummys out there…..#strongertogether xxxxxx
Sammi is a HERO.?????
Sammi you are the strongest lady I know you are so lovely and brave xxx????????????
Sammi, i dont know you in person, but through poppys Journal I followed your story, my heart broke for you all, you are the strongest woman I know #strongertogether xx
You are an amazing and courageous women you have been through hell with the loss of your beautiful daughter and you and Andy have set up Poppies fields. To help other families with suck children to make lasting memories for there families. X
Sammie is a truly insperational and courageous woman she has fought through one hell of a storm and has provided so much support too others going through the same thing.Sammie and andy and her two boys has shown what true strenghth and what putting on a brave face and carrying on looks like in the flesh i have followed the journal they shared and continue to share on facebook. They had a dream of opening a retreat to help others to make incredible memories to support families and this will soon be a reality for them its a wonderful idea and turning pure devastating occourences raw emotions and life changing heartache into a outstanding passion and drive to give families that so much precious time needed together a truly insperational and inspiring young lady in every aspect xxx
It’s so easy just to hit vote and move on. But I decided to come back to the page and let you know why Sammi got my vote. During her time of sadness and grief, she (and her husband Andy) stood tall in the hope of raising awareness of malignant rhabdoid tumour, the cancer that claimed little Poppy-Mai’s life. In addition, they continue to move forward with their dream of building Poppy’s Field. They do this in the public eye (whether they choose to or not) with 40,000 of us Facebook followers always eager to hear what they are doing next. Poppy-Mai was a true warrior, and behind this warrior stands a family who will do anything to ensure that Poppy-Mai’s death is not in vain. Easy vote.
Sammi u r just amazing and so strong #strongertogether
sammi , you truley deserve this ! your strength is unbelievable ! it has been an honour to follow your story because this story has captured hearts from all over the globe … poppy-mai was special , she had the courage to fight , her smile made everybody’s day and for that your special . i would like to say well done for just being brave to share your story ! you are an amazing women an im sure your strength with carry on ! evan through the sad times she will always be with you to keep you going ! VOTE !
U get my vote ur amazing good luck xx
I first came across Poppy’s diary on Facebook. Poppy was battling against Cancer and didn’t have long left. As a mother myself it was heart wrenching to read and like many others each day I checked in hoping and praying that a miracle would happen. When Poppy-Mai died my heart sunk for her and her family but I was so amazed by the sheer strength that Sammi showed. She is in inspiration and a time where she could really have sunk into despair , she used all her energy to ensure that the legacy of Poppy-Mai will live on. Sammi is so strong , she has suffered the worse kind of loss but is still fighting on to ensure that Poppy’s field becomes a reality. Poppy is known to us all as the warrior princess and it’s very clear to see where she got that from because her mummy is definitely a warrior and that is why she has my vote.
The strongest family I have had the pleasure of meeting,at the time poppy was still verry much fighting but as we all know cancer has its good days and bad days I just happened to be lucky to be able to meet them on one of poppys good days,this family was and still are in a whirl wind of sadness emptiness, people I spoke to said things like lots of baby’s die daily and yes they do but they failed to see what sammy and Andys plans are they are doing something incredible in the name of poppy for outher poorly chilldren and there family they have broke down and cryed but they have kept going and going with this and they have not once stopped they need this of the people for all there strength becouse even thow we can see it they can not becouse right now they feel so useless but look at what they are building ! Poppy would be so proud of them and she truly has touched my haert my life the way I think the way I live and I will never ever forget meeting such an incredible little girl brave strong fearless and she laughed in cancers face such an incredible family and I don’t go a day with out thinking of them
Sammie Andy and the boys have shown such strength through there heartbreak at losing poppie-mai they r doing amazing things for others even though everyday must be so hard to get through they r an inspiration to others #strongertogether always and forever xxx
She Is Amazing And Totally Change My Life You See I Know I Love My Daughter Dearly But Till I Heard About Her Sad News With Her Daughter Poppy Mai News But Thing Is Which Does Make Me Realise Alots About Love And Life That With Your Own Daughter So I Owned Them For That Because Everytime I See My Girl I Don’t Know How Much I’m Lucky But So So Sadly For Them That Y I Did Do Raise And That To Help Them As They Have Helped Me So It’s My Turn To Help Them Back They So Much Deserved This Xxx
I voted for Sammi as she truly is an inspiration, not just as a parent but as a person as well. Her strength and courage through the worst thing a parent could ever face has been inspirational. Sammi let us share Poppy-Mai’s journey with pictures and videos etc. And through her grief she is now going to make it possible for other families experiencing the same as them have a place to go to make memories. Sammi definitely deserves this award xx
I vote for Sammi because I followed their story from diagnosis to the sad passing of little Poppy-Mai. Throughout this whole period Sammi has showed incredible courage and fortitude. She and her husband are a true insight into what being good parents actually means.
I know the pain of losing a child but I have never known anyone handle such a tragedy with so much courage and compassion as Sammi has done.
My heart goes out to her and I’ve voted for her because Poppy-Mai and her brave parents and brothers will never be forgotten. xxxx
I’ve been trying to leave a comment as to why I’m voting for sammi for a few days now, but everytime i try, the tears start flowing and it gets to the stage where I can’t even see my phone screen let alone what I’m writing so I’ve had to come off it but I’m determined to get my comment across so here goes, again!! I started following Poppy-Mais journey near enough from the start and it’s safe to say she captured my heart from the very first moment. For someone so little she was the strongest, bravest, most beautiful little soul ever and it’s clear to see exactly where she got her pure determination from when you look at her beautiful mummy Sammi! Whilst many of us would of locked ourselfs away and crumbled, Sammi stood strong (to the outside world at least) and did all she could not only to spend every last second making everlasting memories with her true #warriorprincess but also to raise awareness for the disease so that others were aware and could maybe spared from going through what they had to. Even during her darkest days she never stopped and continues now to do all she can to not only raise money to build a sanctury for other terminally ill children and their familys but she is constantly raising awareness. I think I speak not only for myself but for the 40+k members of the journal when i say that Sammi Barnard deserves this award in recognition of all that she has done and continues to do. And so that she can see it is all worth it and her beautiful angels death has not been in vain and her legacy will remain forever more. The Barnard family as a whole are the most inspirationalist family i have ever had the pleasure of coming across… If love alone could of saved Poppy-Mai then she would of lived forever. Sammi has made me cherish every day and see things with a new perspective. She has taught me alot of things and for that I will be forever thankful! If you read these comments Sammi, know you, your princess, Andy and the boys are never far from my mind and I applaud you for all that you have done and continue to do. The strongest, bravest, loveliest, most courageous and inspirational family there ever was…and will be! You both deserve these awards more then anyone…ever!! #strongertogether xxx
Sammi is one of the most inspirational women I have heard about. Her fight, courage and devotion to her children have been amazing throughout Poppy Mai’s illness and passing. Such a strong lady and no-one is more deserving of this award. #strongertogether ❤️❤️
Sammie is one strong amazing lady words can not even express the admiration I have for her . She shared her beautiful princess poppy Mai with us through the saddest of times while poppy was trying to fight the cancer and she remained strong and positive throughout it all .no parent should have to go through the heart break of losing a child and to watch Sammie at poppy’s celebration of life broke all our hearts Sammie Barnard is a true inspiration and a hero not just to her family but to all who have shared her journey and always will follow and make poppy’s field is just as special as poppy Mai and her amazing family are #strongtogether
SammI is a lovely lady who whilst going through the grief of her daughter having cancer and losing her was thinking of other parents and thought of ways to help x while all this was going on she’s brought a nation together wanting to help x
Poppy-Mai would be so proud of you right now Sammi. You’re a hero in the the eyes of your three beautiful children and to the nation one truely amazing and inspiration woman. Xx
#strongertogether #warriorprincess ???????
I think Sammy is an incredible young mum who stayed strong for her boys through the heartache of Popping Maidstone. She shared the sad times of her precious daughter. She is an inspiration to her family and friends and especially her little princess.
“strongertogether”
Nobody deserves it more than this beautiful princesses mummy ,,absolute inspiration xx
Amazing mummy. ..this is well deserved #strongertogether xxxx
I am voting for this beautiful strong amazing lady , who has captured all our hearts. She is a tenderly loving mother who has gone through the worst heartache any of us can possibly imagine. As a mother myself it breaks my heart, i have followed the journal from the very start and will continue to do so. Her and her lovely family have always got my support. xx
Sammi, Andy and their 2 boys have shown nothing but courage and we as a nation fell in love with Poppy-Mai. Her name will live on and they will all remain in our hearts forever #strongertogether ???
Insperation to all you and your family #StrongerTogether and thank you for sharing the remaining time you had with your beautiful daughter with us all R.I.P Poppy-Mai beautiful Angel Warrior Princess
Sammi deserves inspirational mother as she inspires people every day sharing her beloved princess Poppy~Mai’ journey was incredibly selfless, i am truly humbled with the sheer determination in making Poppy field a reality for sick kids to retreat and make precious memories ~ God bless xx
Sammi you get my vote your amazing mother and so strong in the face of utter despair you faced in losing your beloved poppy mai i followed poppy mai journal after poppy mai had gained her angel wings and i was heartbroken by her story you and andy are doing her proud she would be so proud of what your doing for other children and their families #strongertogether
I’ve voted for sammie because she is an amazing women.. wife.. mother.. everything sammie as been through she still carries on and thinks about others …you are an inspiration to everyone sammie I hope you win as you truly deserve to ..good luck ???? #strongertogether
Inspirational Mother says it all.
I followed Poppy-Mai’s heart breaking story right from the start. I’m not one of Sammi’s friends or relatives, nor have I ever met Sammi, but her strength, determination and positive attitude at what I can only imagine has been an indescribably difficult time has inspired me. It’s inspired me to appreciate the fragility of life, and made me realise that every moment with my own family should be cherished and never taken for granted. During her darkest hours, days and weeks, she’s focussed on how to raise awareness for cancer in children, and to raise money to take the next step in making a difference to other children who are battling the horrific disease. I wish Sammi and her family all of the best in their journey in making Poppy’s Field into reality.
Sammi is my wife and best friend. She gives me that kick up the backside when I need it. We have been through hell this year, we watched our baby daughter fade away before our eyes due to a very aggressive and rare cancer. Progressive Malignant Rhabdoid Tumour with spread throughout her internal cavities, lungs and Brain in only 10 weeks. Her strength and courage throughout was immense. She kept strong when other would have fallen, she kept going when other would have given up. Poppy-Mai got her strength through you babe. I am extremely proud and privallaged to be your husband. Through thick and thin I will be with you. XxX
#strongertogether
Sammi is a very brave and inspirational lady whose story has me in tears over and over again. I have never met this lady or the gorgeous Poppy-Mai but feel that I know them through Poppy-mai’s journal on Facebook. I followed the journey from the beginning to the end to find out there would be no end as this lady and her husband are raising awareness of childhood cancer, having petitions signed so the government will help and creating Poppy’s field; all whilst grieving for their perfect angel ..a true strong warrior princess, their incredible daughter who changed my life forever..RIP Sweetheart and I bet you are bursting with proudness on those fluffy clouds to have such an amazing mammy and daddy. Good luck Sammi ( and Andy) you both so deserve this award