Delight as Amesbury girl with chronic lung disease gets to visit Father Christmas
Isabella's mum had worried oxygen supply would run out in long queues
Last updated 14th Dec 2021
A little girl from Amesbury has finally been able to experience what most of us take for granted, a trip to see Father Christmas.
Isabella Chan has a chronic lung disease and needs oxygen around the clock
The oxygen cylinders she needs are so heavy her mum, Erica, can't carry around more than one at time and it's left her terrified it may run not last long enough for her to queue with all the other excited children.
Isabella's story was featured in the Christmas campaign for Julia's House which supports the family.
After Greatest Hits Radio Salisbury covered her story the organiser of Durrington's Christmas Fair got in touch with Isabella's mum via the charity.
On Saturday Isabella had her own private visit with Father Christmas who told us he was delighted to help;
“We were absolutely delighted that Isabella was able to join us today and meet me (Father Christmas) in my grotto. Something that she hasn’t been able to do before. The last time I met her was three years ago in Hospital on Christmas Day. She really is a lovely little girl and I understand from her Mum, Erica, that she really enjoyed herself.”
Julia’s House Nurse Molly Douglas visited Isabella and Erica shortly after their trip to Santa’s grotto. Along with other specialist Julia’s House nurses and carers, Molly provides essential respite care breaks for the family at their home and at their hospice in Devizes.
Molly said:
“Isabella was so excited to tell us she had met Father Christmas – she said it was awesome! It’s really amazing for Bella to have these opportunities and experiences, and to help get her excited for Christmas. It’s been a challenging year for them and so many other families, so it’s more important than ever right now that she has some happy times to enjoy with her mum.”
Julia’s House children’s hospice is a lifeline for families of the most seriously ill children across Wiltshire and Dorset.
The vital care provided by Julia’s House children’s hospice is almost entirely funded by donations.
To support local families this Christmas and read more about Isabella's story visit www.juliashouse.org/Isabella