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.
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.
We made sure the 5th of November was a night to remember for the children currently staying at our hospice with lots of firework and autumnal fun!
Following a normal pregnancy and birth, Imogen was welcomed into the world in April 2017, joining mum Kelly, dad Tristan and big sister Brooke. However, when she was just four months old, Kelly started to have concerns.
Three-year-old Lottie was born with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, a brain condition which can cause developmental delay, seizures and cognitive impairment. Her symptoms cause her a lot of pain and discomfort, so for a few weeks during lockdown she stayed at the hospice for symptom management.
Eight-year-old Nicholas has been supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices for three years. In August, during the coronavirus pandemic, Nicholas stayed with us for emergency respite giving him the chance to have some fun whilst his family could feel comfortable in the knowledge that he was in a safe environment, enjoying himself.
Up until a few weeks ago, seven-month-old Patrick had spent his entire life on Mountain Ward at Evelina Hospital. Recently he was referred to us for three weeks of step-down care to help his parents make the transition from hospital to caring for him at home.
After being given the devastating news that their son’s cancer had returned, Alison and Warren spent a week at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices making memories they’ll cherish forever.
Following the joy of taking their first child home, Arthur and Amber’s world was turned upside down when Ted was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.