Annual Report and Financial Statements

Strategic report
Amelia’s story
Three-year-old Amelia has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.
She loves visiting Little Bridge House with mum, Jemma.
The family was referred to CHSW by
Amelia’s community children’s nurse and
Jemma admits that she was unsure about
what to expect before their first visit.
I always thought of a hospice being
an end-of-life environment, but it was
amazing,” said Jemma, “the building and
gardens are lovely, and the hospice
team is so kind, caring, supportive
and easy to talk too; they make you
feel welcome each time you stay.”
Jemma said the hospice gives the family
time to enjoy and make the most of
precious moments together. Grandma
has also visited and stayed with them at
Little Bridge House and Amelia’s daddy
is hoping to come soon too.
“We love coming to stay every few
months and Amelia is always asking
when we are coming back,” said Jemma.
“The hospice gives us time with Amelia
away from all the usual things happening
at home such as appointments; it’s
lovely to be able to spend quality time
together doing fun activities with the
help and support of the hospice team.
“Amelia enjoys
most things, such
as the hydrotherapy
pool, soft play area, the Narnia sensory
garden and main garden but I think her
favourite is music therapy and the doll’s
house. She also enjoys painting and
making cakes with the hospice team.
Jemma adds, “She really enjoys oneto-one
attention and likes to be doing
something all the time, which can
be tiring on a daily basis. But having
the help during our stay is lovely.
I can’t thank them
enough for everything
they’ve done for us and
especially Amelia - they
are amazing, like family.
Sarah’s story
Sarah was 16 years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and cancer.
At 17, she was offered a referral to Little Harbour and often visited with her family.
Sarah juggled chemo with studies
and radiotherapy with exams. From
time to time, she would pop into
Little Harbour for a well-earned break,
to recharge her batteries and to be
surrounded by the best care. But it wasn’t
just Sarah who enjoyed visits to Little
Harbour; our whole family immersed
themselves in the support from the
hospice, with Sarah’s brother Steve going
on a siblings’ adventure weekend, Jane
becoming part of the mum’s support
group and myself having a go at a golf
taster day with the other dads. We were
able to put our complete trust in them.
The Care Team at Little Harbour were
with us every step of the way, guiding
and supporting us, through palliative
care and preparing us for end of life
care. At the age of 24, Sarah passed
away peacefully, in the very best place
for her, surrounded by her family and
large collection of cuddly toys.
Sarah had seen a lot of doctors, nurses
and other health professionals in
Cornwall and Bristol. She had been
on children’s wards and also received
treatment from adult services. The one
constant was Little Harbour and the
enduring care from the amazing team we
had developed such a special bond with.
We are eternally grateful to the whole
team at CHSW and everyone who helps
to raise money for families like ours.
It’s during this immensely difficult time that you realise
just how skilled and talented the Care Team really are.
Page 6 Children’s Hospice South West - Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2020