A mum whose eight-year-old daughter has the brain condition Bilateral Cerebral Atrophy has reflected on a “profoundly moving gift” after attending an intergalactic light and sound experience at Ely Cathedral.
The Space by Luxmuralis event saw the prestigious venue transformed into cosmic landscapes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves amid vibrant projections, atmospheric music and captivating visuals of galaxies and rocket launches.
Staff, volunteers and families connected to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) were invited to attend, and among them were mum Jade Martin and daughter Beatrix, who receive care and support at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
Beatrix has Bilateral Cerebral Atrophy and Severe Global Dystonia. She requires round-the-clock care and lives with her family in Debenham, near Stowmarket.
Jade said her daughter had “wonder” in her eyes and was so pleased they got to share the experience together.
“I didn’t know what to expect and had never been to the cathedral before,” she said.
“However, it turned out to be a remarkable evening, and the spectacular installations were astonishingly beautiful.
“Beatrix’s quality of life is measured in the moments of joy she experiences, and she was totally engaged throughout. To look into her eyes and see such wonder was incredible to witness.
“It was priceless and a profoundly moving gift. I’m truly grateful.”
EACH staff, volunteers and families were given exclusive access, and 119 people attended in four different time slots. The public were then invited from 6.45pm onwards.
“The welcome Beatrix and I received was so generous and authentic, and we were guided gently at every turn,” added Jade.
“For us to have shared it together – not an easy or frequent thing to achieve – was wonderful, and it was refreshing to be in a public space without having to worry if she screamed or yelled.
“That’s so unusual, and the chance to experience it without crowds created a remarkable opportunity which I’ll forever be grateful for.
“In a life so often filled with stress and worry, it was a very special evening that I felt blessed and honoured to share with my daughter.”
Ceri Dobson, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at Milton, described the experience as “breathtaking”.
She added: “For staff, volunteers and families to witness the stunning visual displays and atmospheric musical accompaniment, all set within the beautiful cathedral backdrop, was remarkable, and we were so grateful for this very special, unforgettable experience.”
