Support will be offered to families facing difficulties as a result of a childcare charity’s decision to close for one day to allow staff to attend the funeral of a “much-loved” former colleague.
Centrepoint announced it would be closed on Tuesday 16 June for the funeral of Kianne “Ki” Moy.
Ki, who passed away last week, underwent an operation in 2015 to remove a brain tumour when she was just 14 years old.
She later suffered a stroke and lived with a number of health conditions that affected her everyday life – including diabetes insipidus, visual impairment, short-term memory loss and the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Centrepoint said the one-day closure for Ki’s funeral had been approved by its Board of Governors and the Childcare and Early Years Service.
“The decision to close was not taken lightly,” the charity said, adding that it was intended “to allow our Centrepoint community the opportunity to come together, support Jane [the charity’s chief executive and Ki’s mother], Halle [Ki’s sister] and their family, and celebrate Ki’s life”.
The organisation thanked families for the “kindness, understanding and support” shown, describing it as “an incredibly difficult time” for Ki’s family, friends and staff.
Addressing criticism on social media, Centrepoint acknowledged that the unexpected closure could place additional financial pressure on some families.
Her strength and courage will never be forgotten
tribute
“This is an incredibly difficult time for Ki’s family, and some of the comments shared online have been particularly upsetting for those closest to her,” the charity added.
Parents affected by the one-day closure have been invited to contact Centrepoint’s finance team to discuss any concerns and seek support.
The charity also released details of Ki’s celebration of life service, which will take place on Tuesday 16 June at Jersey Showground Crematorium from 1pm.
“To honour Ki’s vibrant spirit, her family have invited attendees to wear light blue, purple or other bright colours, as these were her favourite colours,” the charity said.
Those wishing to make a donation in Ki’s memory have been asked to support either Centrepoint Jersey or the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, organisations the family said had “enhanced and supported Ki’s life”.
The post attracted hundreds of likes and tributes describing Ki as “wonderful”, “strong” and a “beautiful person inside and out”.
Jade Rose wrote: “I am so deeply sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Kianne is such a beautiful, kind, positive, funny and truly wonderful young lady who touched many lives and feel incredibly fortunate to have shared many special memories with her. Her strength and courage will never be forgotten.”
Kelly Brophy said: “I’m extremely saddened to hear this awful news of Kianne. What an intelligent, beautiful, funny, kind, caring, and loving girl she was. I’m honoured I had the privilege to have known her.”
Chloe Mcbride added: “What a beautiful soul she was. Bever failed to light up Centrepoint with that big heart and smile.”