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On Christmas Day 2017 Tim and Ruth were told that their six-week old son Josh had a rare, severe case of epilepsy and needed to begin medication immediately. It was Josh’s first Christmas, and their first as a family of four, yet it was all such a blur.
Years went by with more Christmases in intensive care, medication trials and hours spent in hospital.
Josh is now six, but his condition remains life-threatening. Josh and his family have been visiting Little Harbour children’s hospice since January 2023 and it continues to be a vital place for them to enjoy quality time together, creating precious memories as a family.
Despite not knowing what to expect when they first walked in, from the very first day the family visited the hospice, it felt like home.
Mum Ruth said: “A night of uninterrupted sleep is unheard of for us. Coming to Little Harbour means we know we can sleep because of the incredible nursing team looking after Josh, it’s comforting to know they are able to spot the signs of a seizure starting. We know that he’s happy, comfortable and safe.”
Dad Tim said: “We’re always on high alert, but when we come to Little Harbour, we get the space to breathe and have downtime, not just for the boys individually, but for all of us as a family, it’s like catching up on life a little bit.”
What should be a happy time of year for the family is now triggering and stressful, as Josh has ended up in intensive care over Christmas twice.
This Christmas, please help Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) to support local families like Josh’s, now and into the future and join CHSW Business Club today. Your support will help fund ongoing hospice, emergency, end of life and bereavement care for local children, young people and their families.
Sarah Stott, Head of Fundraising at Little Harbour said: “Our relationship with each business supporting us is unique and tailored to your needs. We will work with you to discuss the many wonderful ways you and your business could make a direct difference to the lives of families we support at Little Harbour.
Membership to the CHSW Business Club provides a platform to raise your profile and make new connections. Your business will receive exclusive member and networking events at our hospices, experiencing first-hand the impact of your support and you will be part of a business community passionate about supporting families across the South West.”
If you would like to find out more about the other ways you can support the work of CHSW, plan a visit to Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell. The hospice’s next Open Day is on 25 November with tours at 10am, 12pm and 2pm bookable in advance.
Open Days provide an opportunity to look around the beautiful hospice, hear about the families that are supported and see for yourself what a special, yet vital place it is for local families.
Sadly the need for children’s hospices will never disappear, but thanks to the generous support of people in the community and beyond, CHSW can continue to be there for local families.
