A Cardiff student is donating the proceeds of her debut poetry book to City Hospice after losing her father to a brain tumour.
TEENAGER Lani Kirkman has channelled personal loss into creativity with the release of her first poetry collection, ‘5,405 Days’, with proceeds being donated to City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice charity.
The book takes its title from the number of days Lani shared with her father, Lee Kirkman, and features 27 poems exploring the five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance — through the eyes of a teenage girl coming to terms with loss.
Lee, a devoted husband and father with a love of Manchester United and a career as an experienced gas engineer, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022 after suffering a seizure during the Easter bank holiday weekend. He had shown no previous symptoms before his diagnosis. He later received specialist palliative care at City Hospice in the final months of his life, with Lani and her mother Lucy also receiving counselling support from the charity.
Speaking about her book, Lani said:
“I wanted to write this poetry book in memory of my wonderful dad to raise awareness about what I’ve been through over the last few years. I carry my dad in my words; every page reflects what he means to me.
“People don’t always like talking about feelings, so by writing my emotions down I hope I can help others relate and understand that their experiences of loss are also valid. As a teenager, grief is a difficult space to navigate, and it has shaped who I’ve become.”
She added that part of the proceeds from the book will go towards supporting City Hospice in recognition of the care and counselling they provided to her family.
Lani has already shown her support for the charity through involvement in events such as Sparkle Walk, Light up a Life and Forever Flowers.
Her mother, Lucy Kirkman, praised her daughter’s strength and determination.
“It’s not easy expressing your own grief, but to put those feelings into words is an incredible achievement. From standing bravely by Lee’s side during his illness to transforming her grief into something positive that helps others, I couldn’t be prouder of Lani.”
Dr Liz Booyse, Chief Executive at City Hospice, said the charity was deeply grateful for Lani’s support.
“It takes real courage to open up about grief and bereavement. Lani’s poems are honest, brave and deeply moving. By turning her loss into something meaningful, she is helping others in similar situations and supporting us to continue providing vital care for families across Cardiff.”
‘5,405 Days’ stands as both a tribute to a much-loved father and a powerful reminder of how young people can transform grief into compassion, creativity and hope — helping others while healing themselves.
