Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are in mourning today after the death of an 18 year-old fan that they had become close to.
Holly Smallman, who Harry initially met at a charity event, recently passed away at the age of 18, according to Fox News. She had suffered from various illnesses since birth, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and chronic lung disease. Holly tragically died in her sleep from cardiac arrest.
After Holly’s death, her mother Hayley received an email on behalf of both Harry and Meghan.
“I wanted to write and say how saddened I was to hear of the tragic loss of your daughter, Holly,” the email began. “I feel so fortunate to have met Holly in 2015 when her sister Ruby received a WellChild Award. Holly was evidently a very special and happy girl, despite her significant challenges and she clearly had an extra special relationship with her siblings.”
Harry went on to reminisce about receiving a handmade penguin Ruby, “complete with red hair.” He then praised Hayley for the work she’s done as an activist within the special needs community, calling her actions “truly selfless and inspirational.”
“I imagine words cannot really hope to provide much comfort to you and your family at this most difficult of times, but I wanted you to know that you, and your daughter Ruby and son Josh, are all in my thoughts and prayers,” Harry concluded. “Meghan and I send out deepest and most heartfelt condolences.”
What would we do without our amazing hospice such a scary thought @Tog4ShortLives @ClaireHouse #ChildrensHospiceWeek pic.twitter.com/uAWPYcVKEe
— Hayley Smallman (@hayleysmallman) May 23, 2016
“The grief that we’re going through is so awful and we can’t have contact with anybody else at the moment, only over the phone and FaceTime, so we’re desperate,” Hayley said. “For Prince Harry to find the time to send this email, to know that Holly made that impact on him and that he cares so much, even in all this private turmoil he’s going through, just meant the world to us.”
The fact that Harry and Meghan took the time to contact this grieving mother shows how kind and generous they really are. Please join us in saying a prayer for Holly’s family during this difficult time.
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
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