Julia's House Christmas Appeal proves huge success
The Dorset children's hospice say they're thankful for the support
Last updated 13th Jan 2021
The Appeal to support services at Julia's House at their hospice in Dorset and a second site in Wiltshire aimed to raise a total of £50,000.
With a month still left to run, they've so far raised £70,000 and are hoping further donations will still be added.
Mike Bartlett, Deputy CEO at Julia's House, explains where that money will go:
"It couldn't be a more critical time for us in terms of fundraising. The money the local community has raised could help to pay for two nurses to care for children with life-limiting conditions - it makes all the difference to families in need, particularly as we are now back in lockdown and their isolation continues."
The charity provides respite care for families with children who need it, as well as practical and emotional support for their parents and siblings.
Through the pandemic, they've tried to keep their face to face services going as much as possible, but also developed virtual support like online storytelling and play sessions.
ELLIE'S STORY
Julia's House highlighted the story of 3 year old Ellie Humphries as part of the Christmas Appeal.
The 'sunny-natured' little girl was just 6 months old when doctors discovered a large brain tumour.
She survived 14 hours of surgery, but suffered a stroke which left her partially sighted and with no movement down her right side.
Ellie's mum Jenna Humphries said:
"She was this tiny bundle with a bandaged head lying in my arms and were told we should just enjoy the time we had left with her. She had started chemotherapy but there was only a slim chance it would work."
In the months that followed, Ellie was in and out of hospital for an operation needed to relieve pressure on her brain and further operations and chemotherapy treatment.
Then, just before the first lockdown last year, she developed pneumonia and the whole family had to shield for three months. Jenna said:
"All this time you are living in a bubble, in your own scary world, constantly watching and waiting. Any change in Ellie, even just a rise in temperature and we would go back to hospital. You live day by day, week by week."
Home care sessions from Julia's House nurses meant that Jenna and Ellie's dad Luke could spend quality time with their son Tom, knowing that Ellie would be safe and cared for while they played with him. They said:
"Ellie's nurses would phone and check everything was OK and help out with picking up prescriptions or food. Sometimes it's just a chance for a bit of 'me time', trying to recover from everything that we have been though."
TOUGH TIMES AHEAD
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, Julia's House anticipates another challenging year ahead.
Deputy CEO Mike Bartlett said:
"We lose £150,000 a month with our shops closed, so starting the year in lockdown has a huge impact on us financially. The continued support of the local community will be vital to maintaining our life-changing care and support for vulnerable children and families, keeping them safe and well at home to reduce the strain on local NHS services."
You can continue to support the Julia's House Christmas Appeal on their website.