On Sunday 7th June, Sinead Griffiths, a well-known influencer and self-employed hairdresser, will walk alongside her mother and best friend in honour of her sister Charlene, who died from a brain tumour in 2012 at the age of 27.

Sinead is no stranger to TikTok, posting videos which often feature her mother, lovingly known as, “Wee Majella” who has been living with dementia for 8 years. Therefore, as well as taking part in the female walk/run in memory of her sister, Sinead has stressed how she will also be walking for those with life-limiting illnesses like her mother. She explained: “We have been doing the Female Walk/Run for years and my sister always did it. It’s such a great event and we are really looking forward to it.”

According to Sinead, Charlene was originally given a prognosis of one year, but sadly died just nine months later. Reflecting on the support her sister received, Sinead praised the care provided by the Foyle Hospice Community Nurses, who helped keep Charlene at home for as long as possible.

She explained: “My sister was cared for at home by the Foyle Hospice Community Nurses who were great. We wanted to keep her at home for as long as we could. They made my sister comfortable and were just amazing with her.”

Sinead also recalled how comforting it was for Charlene to know someone amongst the nursing team saying: “Charlene’s best friend’s mammy was one of the nurses who looked after her, so it was lovely for her to know a familiar face.”

As well as receiving care at home, Charlene also attended Day Therapy at Foyle Hospice, where Sinead says she enjoyed moments of comfort and normality during an incredibly difficult time.

“She enjoyed a massage and had her nails done,” Sinead explained. “It is a wonderful place for patients to socialise and gives them something to look forward to.”

The Griffiths family’s connection to Foyle Hospice stretches back many years, with several loved ones receiving support from the charity over time.

Sinead explained: “We also had a cousin who died at the age of 18 from the same illness as Charlene, just a year before my sister. My uncle also used the hospice and sadly died at the age of 39, again with the same diagnosis. “Fundraising events like the Female Walk/Run are a great way to raise awareness and I will be keeping my sister and loved ones in my thoughts while I’m doing it. “Charlene was always up for a laugh and enjoyed the craic, so I know she would want us to enjoy the event and make a happy thing out of it.”

“Foyle Hospice has a special place in our hearts — it does so much for our community. We would be lost without it.”

If you would like to sign up to the Female Walk/Run, please visit: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/FoyleHospiceFemaleWalkRun2026