Olivia Majeed - Unedited Interview

The Interview segment of Olivia Majeed's film, simply cut but un-edited.

Olivia Majeed - Filming

I filmed Olivia in her bedroom. It’s a very personal place and she’s filled it with memories of Domba. Her medal from the race is hung above a photo of him, which sits beside a poster for the Reggae night he launched in Leeds with some friends. During the interview, Olivia opened up about a range of things, sharing stories from how they met, to how they spent their final time together. She laughed through happy memories and spoke about how much Domba taught her, even during his short life and the time they knew each other. 

Mostly, she remembered and shared with me the brilliant person that he was and how important he is in her life.

Domba loved Reggae music and used to collect records. With some friends he arranged a night in Leeds once a month called Deep Forward. He had a huge collection of records before he passed away, but unfortunately never got to play at the night. Domba gave his collection to Olivia, who bought a record player to listen to them, and learnt how to DJ in order to take part in one of the nights herself using Domba’s records. Deep Forward is just one of the things that continues his memory. 

Deep Forward is held at Milo’s Bar in Leeds on the third Saturday of every month from 10pm until 3am. With free entry and a great mix of tunes devoted to Domba’s memory and his love of reggae music it’s definitely worth a visit!

Olivia Majeed - Leeds Half Marathon

Today I went to watch Olivia finish the Leeds Half Marathon. Her and her friend Josh Hevicon ran in memory of Domba, raising money for Martin House Hospice for Children and Young People. Her fundraising page is still open here.

Olivia wrote on the page;

"Hello, thank you for taking the time to look at my Just Giving page.

On the 10th of May 2015 I will be running the Leeds Half Marathon with fellow team pal Josh Hevicon. We are hoping to raise a significant amount for the Martin House Hospice for Children and Young People, but in doing so will need your help. The money raised will contribute to the support and care of children, adolescents and their families and friends who have found themselves in situations many can only imagine. Josh and I have recently lost not just a friend, but a soul mate who both displayed and taught us so much about strength and courage. We learnt that life is short, precious and beautiful, something to hold dear with close family and friends. 

Speaking from personal experience, the loss of a loved one has to be the most difficult and challenging situation one will ever find themselves in. In terms of my short life, so far, I have not and I’m sure will not ever be able to fully come to terms with the tragic events of the past 24 months. However, knowing that the people around you can, and are willing to do almost anything to help makes everything a lot easier to cope with. 

The hospice is based in Yorkshire and supports many children and their families across the county. A donation of just £10 would cover the cost of a child’s drip and £5,000 would provide a specialist bed for those children with complex medical needs. Any donation would not only be appreciated but put to great use, as the Hospice receives less than 20% statutory government funding, and therefore relies almost totally on donations from kind people such as yourselves.

Above all, I would like to emphasise that those last moments of life should be absolutely cherished, and filled with unconditional love and laughter. This could provide those children and young people with an opportunity to share final moments of happiness and create beautiful memories for their loved ones to savour. It really would mean a great deal to myself, my team and everyone at the Hospice if you could make a donation to such a wonderful cause. 

Thank you, Liv."