Pippa’s short, beautiful life has ended.
She passed peacefully this morning surrounded, cuddled and held by those who loved her the most and whom she loved the most – James, Patrick and Mummy – whilst listening to her relaxing reiki music.
On Wednesday she had her teacher aide come for school at home and focussed on maths. She then went to school and after that to the hydrotherapy swimming pool for an hour where she was determined to walk to the hydraulic chair and get out of the pool all by herself on her own – “you can take the stairs mummy,” she said. She did. She played puzzle games with a special friend who called in for a surprise visit before dinner.
On Thursday it was, cold, wet and windy. Pippa, played games, did school at home for an hour again and then we spent the rest of the day watching movies and eating Easter Eggs. Other than being tired with a bit of a sore throat and a runny nose she was very happy. She ate, drank and communicated clearly.
Her rapid decline started at 7pm Thursday evening. She has been cuddled, held, massaged and kissed like never before. She has been cared for around the clock by her wonderful medical staff who have, at the same time, cared for James, Patrick and me. She has listened to chapter after chapter of the Magical Far Away Tree. Early in the day when she was able to, she watched episodes of Modern Family with James, Patrick and me lying together in bed with her laughing. She has listened to music. She has looked at photos of her kindred friend getting ready for her deb ball. She has not been left alone for one minute. Friday was also earring day – the first day she could change her earrings after getting her ears pierced on her birthday. She wore her beautiful flower ear rings that look so pretty. She has them in again today after making sure we put her real gold “sleepers” in for sleeping last night.
We have been able to say goodbye beautifully.
The last thing Pippa did on Friday evening was to open her eyes for the last family visits including a return visit late at night from Tony. “My Tony” as she called him when she was little. She also used her eyes and her right hand to communicate a few instructions to her doctors, nurses and me before going back to sleep.
Pippa is now climbing the Faraway Tree exploring magical lands. She will be “Legs Eleven” forever. She was beautiful in life and as she lies in her bed now surrounded by and holding her favourite teddies she is still absolutely beautiful.
That beauty and spirit of hers will live on forever.
Pippa Rea 
R.I.P.P means rest in peace pippa
Virginia, I was so sad to wake to this news today. Your strength is beyond amazing. Love to you, Patrick and James. Fi Longmire
R.I.P Pippa,
sorry for your loss Patrick James and Virginia.
Pippa always had a positive smile or grin, where ever she went she was laughing or joking around. I am very sad to hear about her passing, but also very glad that she lived such a happy life.
From Jackson Timms
So many tears Gin. My heart breaks for you and your boys and your family. Was beautiful to read of what Pippa was able to achieve in the last few days, she is truly a remarkable little girl. And she will be remembered fondly and often – by me – and by the hundreds of people who have been touched by her life, and your extraordinary account of it. Sending you a thousand heartfelt hugs. Words just don’t say enough. All my love Nicki Gin, are you happy to share your home address – I don’t have one for you?
Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2015 03:46:23 +0000 To: nickilever@hotmail.com
R.I.P Pippa. Pippa was always positive, laughing, smiling, being funny and most of all just being herself. We will all miss her. Thank you for being a wonderful friend. I will never forget you. I wish Virginia, James and Patrick all the best. From Emma Zerbe.
Dear Virginia James Patrick Anne Tony & family & friends, With much sadness we hear of Pippa’s passing, Thank you for sharing her journey with us, we are so inspired by your courage, the wonderful days spent doing happy things, never a day wasted, all done with love. Our angel Pippa will always be held dear in our hearts, her short life was so well spent, she will be so sadly missed, Allan & Margaret (Gran & Poppy) xxxxxxxx
Dear Virginia James, Patrick ,Anne,Tony & Family & Friends, With much sadness we hear of Pippa’s passing, Thank you for sharing her journey with us, we are so inspired by your courage, the wonderful days doing happy things, never a day wasted, all done with love. Our angel Pippa will always be held dear in our hearts, her short life was so well spent, she will be so sadly missed. Allan & Margaret ( Gran & Poppy) xxxxxxxx
Dear Virginia, James, Patrick family and friends. I cant believe this happened to a beautiful, young and gorgeous girl. She got to some incredible things in her life that must people wont get to do. when I went to St Joes Pippa was very smart and she was in her whole life. my prays and thoughts are with your beautiful family. ❤
Gorgeous Pippa. The greatest teacher I have ever met. Xxoo
….what you have taught me will stay in my heart and mind forever. Xx
Dear Pippa, i am so going to miss your amazing energy in absolutely everything you did. I will miss just chatting with you. love Armelle
Dear Virginia, James, Patrick and family. I wish there was something I could say that would make this easier for you! What an incredible job you have done of looking after an amazing little girl who has touched all our hearts so deeply! So much love and laughter which you have shared with us all. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and to have the privilege of calling Pippa our friend. May the happy memories and the knowledge that Pippa has made the world a better place, give you comfort. A perfect angel in heaven to watch over us all! Love and hugs to you all. Joy xxoo
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick. Our thoughts and prayers are we you all in this sad time, may the memories you have all created in such a short but wonderful life be carried in your hearts now and forever. Love and Frienship Taj, Flynn, Cooper, Wendy and John.
Thinking of you all✨✨
Dear Virginia and boys. It is with great sadness that today we learnt that Pippa had become the Angel in heaven as she was on this earth. Virginia your strength to provide her with love and laughter and normality, when we read through your blogs, was unbelievable. Our heart goes out to you, the boys and your family. May Pippa rest in peace now from a battle hard fought. Love from Sandra, Stuart, Alex and Lachie Mackay. xxx
i will miss pippa soooooo sooooooo much. I am thinking of you all. From Lucy
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick, I don’t know where to begin this, I have followed your blog and Pippa’s journey through her devastating illness in awe. I have never met you but would love to some day, I am like everybody else devastated to hear the news of you beautiful little Girl Pippa, I know she would certainly have known how loved she was by all, especially you, her immediate family, Virginia the strength you have shown throughout your terrible ordeal is nothing short of amazing, my husband (my absolute soul mate) and son were killed in a boating accident down near Peterborough 15 years ago, so I know what it is like to lose one of your children, but maybe I was luky as I didn’t have to watch them go through all that dear Pippa has been through. I admire you so much and hope that you can get through this with all the aplomb that I am sure that you have, my love, sympathy and thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. XX
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick , I was deeply saddened to hear of Pippa’s passing. I cannot begin to say how sorry I am to hear this. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It was an absolute pleasure to have known and teach Pippa . Her journey has been inspiring and courageous. We will all miss her greatly at St. Joeys. Patrick and James you have been the shining light showing such love and compassion to your beloved sister and should be so proud . You have been an example to us all of what is so important in life. May God fill that hole in your heart and may it heal with the knowledge that you will meet again. Remember what the caterpillar calls the end the world calls the butterfly!
Love and peace Kathy xx
Rest Peacefully Pippa
Rest in peace dear Pippa ! Sending our love and prayers to Virginia and her sons!
I only just came across your story and am so sorry to see that Pippa has passed away. No words can ever say enough. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter and sister. I can not imagine the heartache this brings to you. Hold on to the wonderful times and memories you have. xxxx
Dear Virginia I am Ellie I am in D3 and I knew Pippa I was lucky to no her she was a very very nice girl and I am very sad this happened I am thinking of you and your Family From Ellie
Dear Virginia,James ,Patrick and family Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time, xxxx
Will, Olivia, Kylie and Brian Mackenzie
Our love and prayers go to Virginia, James, Patrick and to all who love and cared for Pippa. We will remember her vitality and enjoyment of life, her wicked sense of humour and cheeky grin. We know Pippa is giving everyone up in her new home a little bit of her medicine to love and cherish life the way she did when she was with us. She has new opponents in heaven to play chasey with. Lets hope that the angles know that they don’t have a chance of winning with Pippa around!! May God bless you Pippa and keep you in His love. May the Angles watch over you and keep you and everyone you loved safe.
Cecilia, Felicity and Fr.Scott Lowrey
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick , we are deeply saddened to hear of Pippa’s passing. We cannot begin to say how sorry we am to hear this. Your angel is now in heaven playing amogst the clouds . our thoughts are with you. Nadia and Somer
Dear Virginia pippa was a very nice girl and I am in d3 and I know her rest in peace pippa I am thinking of you and your family from Ellie
Rest in peace pippa
Rest in Peace little Pippa.
Virginia, James and Patrick you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick, Anne and Tony,You are an amazing family. Now you have an angel in heaven to care for you all. Your memories will be many, the happiness you shared together in caring and loving each other, will be so precious. Pippa was a treasure to many of us, as well as to you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It has been a very long 21 months, during this time you have given and received so much. I’m so sorry, you will miss Pippa’s beautiful smile and her cheery personality.
Rest in peace Pippa. Thinking of you all.
Thinking of you all at this time Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. xo
A sweet beautiful Angel is now watching over you all! RIP Beautiful Pippa. Such a beautiful young life taken too soon, heartfelt condolences to Virginia, boys, Tony & Anne,
Sean (D2), Bernard & Grace Kavanah xxx
Sending all our love to you Virgina, Patrick & James.
Pippa’s life, love and determination will always be remembered…
Penny, Damien, Nellie, Darby & Edith Walsh xxx
R.I.P Pippa. I remember when Pippa was fit and heathy running around at Joe’s tennis courts, her tennis group was so loud and happy. Most of the time you could her them all bossing around Alex (the coach). I did not think much of the Pippa’s group at the time but that would have to be my main memory of her.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
sorry for your loss James, Patrick and Virginia.
Dear Virginia and Boys,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family and thank you for sharing your precious story, Its been a privilege to read . Although beautiful Pippas life was far too short, feel very proud of yourself that you gave pippa the best life that she could have possibly have had. Your courage, fight and dedication was palpable. I commend you, and admire you. Sending you strength and love at this most saddest time.
Love Melissa, Wayne Gabby and Monique. Xxxx
Rest peacefully gorgeous Pippa – a little angel now in God’s garden watching over her family.
Love to Virginia, James & Patrick xo
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time R.I.P Pippa. From Jorja (D2), Xavier (B3), Kristi & Michael Keilar
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick and all Pippa’s family. We grieve deeply with you at the sad passing of your beautiful Pippa and celebrate her amazing short life. Love and hugs from E xox
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick,
I’ve followed your blog ever since Sweatmaster organised a fundraiser in 2013, I think. And even though we never met person-to-person I feel like we did. I’m absolutely amazed by what you wrote in your blog and I’m very sad that Pippa passed away. I will be with you in thoughts on the 2nd of April. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You and Pippa have long won a place in my heart.
Best wishes for the future to all of you from Germany, Linda
Dear Virginia, James and Patrick,
Our sincere condolences to you all at the passing of your beautiful Pippa.
We watched her stoic battle with mixed emotions. Her triumphs as she did rock climbing, and her joy as she holidayed in Paris and visited the Eiffel Tower. We watched her fight back after down times and her insistence on being involved.
We greatly admired how you all made monumental efforts to ensure Pippa’s final months were fun and fulfilling, from a helicopter ride to a sprint down the supermarket aisle.
Sorry we won’t be with you on Thursday, but we will be remembering Pippa, and our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Love from Margaret, Michael and The Flynn Family
Sincere condolences to you at the passing of Pippa. I have never met Pippa or your family, but have followed your courageous journey. Thank you for letting us in and for sharing something so personal with so many. You have spread Pippa’s legacy far and wide helping her travel to many lands and faraway trees. x
Robyn (Darcy and Alexander’s Aunty)
Sincere condolences at the passing of Pippa. I have never met Pippa or your family, but have followed your courageous journey. Thank you for letting us in and sharing something so personal with so many. You have spread Pippa’s legacy far and wide and helps her travel to many lands and faraway trees. x
Robyn (Darcy and Alexander’s Aunty)
Pippa was such an amazing girl with a big heart and a beautiful smile. I am going to miss seeing that great smile. My thoughts are with you Virginia, James and Patrick.
RIP Pippa – an angel to watch over us
Georgia Ryan
Virginia, James & Patrick, our thoughts are with you all at this saddest of times. An amazing girl who has truly inspired many.
Lisa, Mark, Jack & Georgia Ryan
How lucky I was to meet you Pippa. I will see you in my dreams on the brightest of all rainbows. Big hug to Virginia.
XxxxElla Goodall.
To Virginia, James and Patrick
With everyone who has followed your journey we join them to wrap our arms around you. Much love and support to all you.xxxxx
Anita, Jack and Sam
It’s hard and hurts to say goodbye to you Pippa my most awesomest friend. I am going to miss your friendship so much and our catch ups even more. I promise I will always always remember you. Pippa you were so brave and strong.
‘one friend can change your whole life’
Pippa I love you
I hope you are happy in heaven. Save a spot near you in heaven for me.
Catch you then
Thank you Pippa
Flynn xx
Pippa you will always remain in our hearts, you were insanly beautiful on the inside and out. Rest in peace perfect Pippa, we will never forget you ever xx
All our love to Virginia Patrick and James xx
Catherine Matthew Flynn Lila and your special little friend Lottie xx
rest in peace pippa,
i am so sad to hear that pippa has past away
she was such a gourgeous girl, she loved everyone,
i am so sorry for your loss virginia, james and patrick
at scholl pippa cared for everyone. i remember one time a girl fall over and was crying whilst her friends were laughing at her and pippa went over to her and talked to her and cared for her. thay is how everyone wants to be.
i lov pippa so much she will always be in my heart and mind
i will pray for u guys everyday of my life until u feel better
i am so sorry for the lose and virginia , james and patrick u were very brave and caring for everyone and ecspecially pippa
lots of love for your family from Annie Farrell
dear patrick,
u were so strong in this time, u still had time for everyone else also your family
u still worked well at school and had time to care for everyone
our class prayed for your family and u, for good luck and love
we prayed everyday that pippa would get better and live a longer and happier life.
i still pray for u and your family
happy easter patrick i hope it is great fun
lots of love for u
love Annie Farrell
Pippa had one of the best teachers miss Ryan
Farewell to Pippa she had a very special gift to help people in every situation.
She was a very special person that touched our hearts.
Many memories of Pippa will be in our heads forever.
R.I.P our friend Pippa.
She will be in ‘legs eleven’ forever.
I didnt know Pippa as well as some people but i know enough about her to be really sad. She touched our hearts. She was gorgeous and funny and lots more. I know i would be sad if i lost someone from my family so my prayers and thoughts are with Pippa’s family. FAREWELL PIPPA.xxx
Pippa Rea you were my best friend it was hard for me to say good bye to you because this is what no one wanted to happen but hope fully they can find something that can fix the tumer so no one else will get killed by brain tumer.
Love ya Pippa
Miss ya
Wish you were her
Pretty
Smart
Loving
Caring
Thinking of you all the time 😍 😢
From Taylah Porter