Our families

Following a traumatic birth after suffering placental abruption, Marie had to endure every mother’s worst fear as her baby daughter Rosie was whisked away in urgent need of care.

When Lorea was a baby she hardly ate, was always crying and slept all the time. Already having a healthy two-year-old girl, Amaia, parents Maite and Adrian just felt something wasn’t right.

Lilly-Anne was born five weeks early in June 2013 and from the very start mum Katie picked up on signs that things might not be right with her newborn.

16-year-old Josh was fit, sporty and unassuming. He’d had no significant health concerns, until one day the family’s world came crashing down. Mum Caroline shares their story.

The Nimmo family have benefited from our care service since 2005, but following two tragedies in the space of three years, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices has been there for them more than ever before. 

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare skin condition affecting around 5,000 people in the UK. People with EB have extremely fragile skin which can tear and blister at the slightest touch. There are many variants, and one-year-old James has the most severe form of the condition.

Following a devastating diagnosis during pregnancy, parents Helen and Ben didn’t think they’d get more than a few hours with their baby. But Orla came out fighting and the family spent three days together, making precious memories they’ll never forget.

Up until the age of seven, George was living a life like any other healthy child. But one day everything changed for him and his family.