A mum whose 12-year-old son received end-of-life care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has vowed to raise funds and help others by sharing her story for the charity’s Summer Appeal.
Rhys Kershaw was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2021.
After numerous rounds of chemotherapy, his family were told the cancer was terminal, and, after spending six weeks together at The Nook, EACH’s hospice in Norfolk, he sadly died in July 2022.
Now mum Melanie is speaking out as a way of supporting EACH’s Summer Appeal. In addition to an email and social media campaign, her words feature on a letter set to land on 6,000 doormats across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk from today. The leaflet opens out like a double door, with more information inside and a donation form.
“I’ll forever be grateful to EACH, which is why I was so keen to support the Summer Appeal,” said Melanie, who, like husband Trevor, hails from South Africa but has been living in Norwich for 22 years.
“I’d do anything in the world to change what’s happened and bring Rhys back.
“I dearly wish things were different, but now I want to do whatever I can to help the charity that did so much for us.
“It’s important to be positive and proactive, rather than dwelling on my grief, and I want to help other children and families going through what we experienced.
“I also hope people read our story and change their perceptions of a children’s hospice. It’s not what they think, and the reality is they’re amazing, incredible places, where families create precious memories together.
“It’s vital to talk about the care and support we received from EACH, when we needed it most. Without it, life would have been unimaginable, and, for that, we’ll always be thankful.”
Rhys was initially diagnosed with suspected appendicitis.
An ultrasound revealed a growth, and then, after a CT scan, his family were told it was ‘very likely’ to be cancer. This was confirmed after a biopsy, and he spent the next five weeks at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.
Rhys was discharged on Christmas Eve 2021, meaning the family could spend one last festive period together at home in Norwich.
However, he soon relapsed and that meant two more rounds of chemotherapy.
Rhys and his family were told his cancer was terminal, and, six days later, they moved into The Nook.
“Despite everything going on around us, it became such a peaceful, calming environment for us all,” said Melanie, 48, who is also mum to Jared, 18, Caitlyn, 16, and Tobias, seven.
“Had things been different, and we’d spent his final weeks at home or in hospital, it would have been much worse and more stressful.
“Instead, it was a place where we all found comfort. As a family, we all felt cared for and supported, helping us adjust to the heartbreaking situation developing around us.
“The staff were incredible and couldn’t have been more kind, understanding or patient. Rhys was looked after so well and had the care and support he needed, which meant we were able to spend time with our other children.”
As an additional way of raising funds, Melanie and friend Amy Barber are taking on EACH’s Pier 2 Pier Norfolk walk on Saturday, 19th July. The 32-mile trek takes participants along the Norfolk Coastal Path from Cromer to Great Yarmouth.
Melanie also showed her support by volunteering at the Newmarket Bubble Rush on 6th July.
To find out more and make a donation to EACH’s Summer Appeal, click here.
