Dalkeith fundraiser sadly passes away aged 48 after cancer battle

Dalkeith fundraiser Karen Henderson, who has sadly passed away at the age of 48.

Karen, whose fundraising was featured many times in the Advertiser, was a former pupil of King’s Park Primary, Dalkeith High and Napier University. She worked as a senior anaylst for HSBC in Edinburgh.

Karen was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May 2016, aged 44. She raised thousands for charities, including Maggies Centre and Make 2nds Count. Two of her events at the Sun Inn raised over £20,000 for Maggie’s alone.

Her friend Phil Bowen said: “She had such a vibrant personality. Always good fun, always with a smile, always warm and always generous of spirit.”

Remembering his friend, Phil added: “Karen loved to shop and was always so well dressed; clothes were there to be co-ordinated with our Karen. Retail therapy was her favourite therapy; jewellery, clothes, boots, makeup, coffee, chatting, laughter, fun, jewellery, clothes, boots, she was in her element.

"She even took to the catwalk at the annual Restoration Yard Fashion Show.

“Being on time was too late in Karen’s eyes; she was always early. At school events she was always to be found at the front of the queue, at least 30 minutes before the doors opened.

"She wanted a front row seat to see her son Tristan, the apple of her eye, the joy of her life.

“Throughout her illness Karen was a beacon of light to everyone. As was her personality. She was positive and steadfast in her determination to make the most of her situation and in that time she made sure she helped others.

“She lived her life to the full. Her cheeriness, her determination, her warmth, were an example to us all. Her cancer did not define her. She would say ‘I have cancer, cancer does not have me’.”

Karen will also be remembered for her hilarious ‘Sunshine on Dalkeith’ charity video, which was created for the Make 2nds Count charity night at Melville Castle, based on the Proclaimers hit ‘I’m on my way’.

Phil added: “It was filmed in various locations in Dalkeith and featured many of their friends and Midlothian’s KIC Dance group.

"Karen’s Mum and Dad made a memorable ‘Still Game’ star turn at the end of the video; you could see where Karen got her sense of humour from.

“The video went viral and the resulting donations, as well as the charity ball, meant the event raised over £18,000.”

Karen was the beloved wife of Alistair, much loved mother to Tristan, loving daughter of Jim and Cathy, and a dear sister and aunt.