Rosie was eleven years old, clever, talented, kind, funny, mischievous, generous and exceptionally musical. Born into a theatrical family, Rosie had a love of all the performing arts and, although she was so young, had already appeared in numerous musical shows and many times in television and films . She attended Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, which was founded by Rosie's grandmother and is owned and run by Rosie's family. Together with her sister Ellie and two young friends she co-wrote, composed, produced and staged a full length musical called “Forever and a Day” which was performed at the Novello Theatre in Ascot in September 02. In December 02 Rosie became ill and was eventually diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare and devastating illness affecting the blood vessels. While Rosie was in Ward 4B at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford she decided that when she was better, she would put on shows to raise money for the sick children at the hospital. Rosie was discharged at the end of April 2003. Six days later, at home she suffered a fatal pulmonary haemmorrage. She died on May 14th 2003 .

During her treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, Rosie expressed a wish to raise money for the new children’s hospital at Oxford and to help other children undergoing lengthy hospital stays. It became increasingly apparent to Rosie, and ourselves as a family, how difficult a hospital stay is for the whole family to cope with. It is an extremely lonely and stressful time spending months in hospital, and extensive support for the whole family is needed. We also became aware of the need for funding for research into treating rare childhood diseases.

Following Rosie’s tragic death, we set up Rosie’s Rainbow Fund. Rosie’s spirit will live on through the work of Rosie’s Rainbow fund. Her love and concern for all other children will be continued “Forever and a Day “.

Carolyn and David Mayling -Rosie's Mummy and Daddy