Three families who receive care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) have shared heartfelt messages for the charity’s Christmas Appeal.
Their poignant words will form the basis of an online appeal and social media campaign, as well as appearing on cards that will drop through hundreds of letterboxes across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
One of those to help is the family of Connie Price, who has a rare and complex lung condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
The ten-year-old, who was diagnosed when she was three, particularly enjoys art therapy and loves spending time at The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Norfolk.
Mum Jane, a headteacher from Harleston, said: “Connie receives the most wonderful care, and we were happy to help with EACH’s Christmas Appeal.
“To be honest, that care and support has been a lifeline, and we get help with things I wouldn’t otherwise know where to start with.
“The hospice has become a safe space for us all, and life would certainly be much harder without EACH.
“Connie enjoys art therapy and clearly feels comfortable at The Nook. When she walks in, it’s like she owns the place – like it’s her hospice – and all of us, as a family, have benefitted from EACH’s support.
“We’re so grateful to the care team but also to all those supporters who give generously to make this possible.”
The Suffolk version of the appeal is being spearheaded by Rita Abdulkader, whose 11-year-old son, Abed, receives care at The Treehouse, in Ipswich. The family live in Bacton, near Stowmarket.
Although his condition has not been diagnosed, he has a range of complex health needs, including the fact he cannot walk or talk. He feeds through a tube and depends on round-the-clock support from Rita and husband Jalal.
“Abed enjoys music therapy, the sensory room and being in the pool for hydrotherapy,” said Rita.
“The Treehouse is somewhere he feels included, and it’s about focusing on the things he can do, rather than the things he can’t.
“EACH has helped us find activities and opportunities we can do together, and the staff have offered such amazing support.
“We know that without the generosity of people who support the charity, none of this would be possible. This is our way of saying a heartfelt thank you.”
The Christmas Appeal message to Cambridgeshire supporters has been written by 15-year-old Frances Carpenter, who has Muscular Dystrophy and lives near Peterborough. She has been receiving care at Milton since 2021.
She said: “As well as enjoying short breaks, I’ve developed a passion for art therapy, and it’s become an important way of conveying my thoughts and emotions – feelings I might find hard to explain.
“It clicked straight away, and I’m very proud to have some of my artwork on display at Milton.
“In addition to sessions online, I enjoy spending time at the hospice and find art therapy calming. It helps me zone out and gives me something to focus on.”
To make a donation to EACH’s Christmas Appeal, click here or head to www.each.org.uk/xmasappeal24
