Family Stories

Take a child such as Dan and his mum, Pam. Dan was diagnosed with Huntingdon's Chorea, a degenerative condition from which his father had already died. When we first met Dan, he was still able to walk and he spent the entire weekend playing football. Over the next two years, we watched as he lost so many of the skills that we take for granted, but never did he lose his smile, his sense of humour and his courage.

As his condition worsened, his mum spoke of how Little Bridge House had become part of her family, somewhere she felt safe and supported. She could talk about the unthinkable - the time when Dan would die - and when she was at home, she had only to lift the phone.

For Dan, Little Bridge House was somewhere he could have fun, be with people he trusted and who would give him a straight answer about his illness.

Little Bridge House could not change Dan's diagnosis, but it did change the quality of his life and Pam's. They lived what time they had to the full and when the time came, we were able to ensure that Dan died with dignity and in peace, and with Pam beside him.

Jeanette and Stephen Pearson's 12-year-old son Darrell suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Pearsons - including 14-year-old Matthew - regularly enjoy spending time at Little Bridge House.

'Our family feels that Little Bridge House is a lifesaver in terms of respite care for us, the parents, and a real holiday break for the children. Like other families, without the care we receive at Little Bridge House, we would have no respite at all.

'Little Bridge House is an absolutely magical place and when we come back home, we are refreshed and ready to pick up the reins again. As parents, we have caught up on sleep - the lack of which is so debilitating - and the children have had care and entertainment. They are looked after so well that they have a true holiday, which they would not otherwise have been able to have.'

Sue Hird was a familiar face at Little Bridge House with her two daughters - baby Amy and big sister Caroline. Sue explains in her own words, her experiences and feelings about what Little Bridge House means to her family.

'Our family was truly privileged to have the opportunity to come to Little Bridge House with our youngest daughter Amy Victoria throughout her short life.

'Our first visit was extremely special and it was a very significant day in all our memories. As the ambulance arrived, the duty care team and families were waiting to welcome us. It was an awesome feeling seeing all these people happy and cheering at our arrival after being in hospital with so much uncertainty, stress and sadness. This was the way we could now look to the future - to learn to manage baby Amy's care at home in the reassuring knowledge that a member of the care team was only ever a phone call away.

"With the team's unfailing medical, practical and emotional support, we were able to achieve that goal.

'Their specialist care enveloped our whole family and we shall be eternally grateful for the friendship, the respite, relaxation and the sharing of 24-hour care Amy needed. In addition to Amy's medical demands, we all received individual personal care, which was especially important for Amy's elder sister Caroline. We were all drawn in to sharing the fun and laughter that is a huge part of life at Little Bridge House alongside all the tears and sadness that we have to bear. All these emotions were shared with the other families on our frequent visits and we will never forget the joy and happiness. We have made lasting friendships through our very special children and offered each other ongoing support especially in bereavement. We know there will always be a 'welcome back ' when we return to Little Bridge House at the Annual Remembrance services.

'Of course, all this would not have been possible but for the vision of founders of Children's Hospice South West, Jill and Eddie Farwell. We also give our heartfelt thanks for the hard work and dedication of the whole care team and the many Friends of Little Bridge House who tirelessly fundraise.'