The boys, along with mum Anna, have been visiting the hospice for six years since 2015 and Anna says the stays there have offered the family some welcome respite from the daily challenges that life sometimes throws at them.
Nicholas, aged seven, has been diagnosed with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a complex and rare congenital heart defect, which means his heart is critically underdeveloped and can’t effectively pump blood to the body. Instead, the right side of the heart must pump blood to the lungs and to the rest of his body.
Despite his condition, Nicholas is very active and he loves golf and tennis – he is unable to play any contact sport so it is exploring solo sports that keep him moving. But he also loves playing on his PlayStation with his brother Thomas, aged nine. 
At Charlton Farm, diving into the ball pall in the soft play room, taking a dip in the hydro pool, and running around in the garden with Thomas are always top of the agenda! And of course the boys always love the regular selection freshly baked cakes!
Even during the pandemic, when the family were shielding and unable to visit Charlton Farm, the care team was still there for them, keeping in touch with phone calls and door-step visits.
“Charlton Farm and the care team have done so much for us,” said Anna.
I don’t know what we would do or how I would cope without them
“Nicholas and his brother Thomas have a wonderful time when here and the hospice gives us the break away from the daily drug routine for Nicholas, and also just a respite from everyday life.
“We are so grateful to have Charlton Farm and without them it would be so hard. No one would want to need to have a hospice in their life but if you do they are just amazing.”