Our families

Five-year-old Hadi has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type one, the severest form of a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness. “His life expectancy at first was no more than six months, but against all odds he’s reached the age of five,” said mum Sanaa.

Karen and Scott were told their middle child wouldn’t live past his fifth birthday. Now, with Jake aged 16, mum Karen explains how invaluable the support from Shooting Star Children’s Hospices has been to her whole family – particularly over the last 16 months.

The pandemic and lockdown presented many challenges for the families we care for, but the support from Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to Finn and parents Niamh and Toby, was all the more important when mum Niamh was diagnosed with cancer.

In March 2017 Oliver’s parents, Peter and Pippa received a diagnosis about their son that would change their lives.

“The minute he gets to the hospice, he’s just so animated, as soon as he’s through the door he’s smiling and knows everyone so well and for me when I get in there, I just feel so free,” says mum Michelle.

Born premature in August 2017, mum Emma immediately knew all was not right with her youngest daughter Mya.

Lana has recently started to be supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, and it so happened to be a very special day during one of her first respite stays – her 2nd birthday!

Seven-year-old Anais has been supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices since she was two months old. Anais comes to the hospice for respite stays, giving her a chance to play and enjoy all the things she likes to do, in a safe and fun environment.