The mum of a nine-year-old with a severe brain injury caused by Group B Streptococcus has described East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) new-look family accommodation at Milton as ‘stunning, peaceful and calming’.
Sara’s daughter, Isabella, has been receiving care since she was just six weeks old.
Her family was among the first to use the new family accommodation at Milton, which reopened earlier this summer after a major refurbishment.
The three family bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen have been given a stunning new look as part of a full renovation and refurbishment, and one of the eye-catching highlights is a beautiful mural painted by artist Natasha Hulse.
“It’s truly stunning, beautiful and the most peaceful, calming place you could possibly imagine,” said Sara.
“When I stayed recently it was a lovely sunny day, and I remember sitting on the sofa with the windows open thinking ‘this is amazing’.
“It’s so fresh and modern, and the little touches make such a difference.
“Everything has been tastefully decorated and furnished, and it’s genuinely like staying in a boutique hotel.
“It doesn’t feel like a children’s hospice, and you almost forget where you are. You forget you’re just a stone’s throw from the A14.
“I can imagine it must make such a difference to families staying for long periods of time, especially at end of life.
“It becomes a haven where you have the time and space to relax, as well as having some privacy.
“It’s somewhere you can go if you need a quiet moment and feels like home.
“I certainly felt better and refreshed after my recent stay, following a lovely night’s sleep in that huge bed.”
Sara remembers the first time she used the family accommodation, finding it reassuring being so close to Isabella.
She knew her daughter was safe and being looked after by the care team, but also enjoyed the space and peace to recharge her own batteries.
“We were apart but under the same roof, which made it easier to adjust,” said Sara.
“It also meant we were able to pop out for a bite to eat – such a normal thing for most people but not something we’d usually get a chance to do.
“At the time, much like now, in fact, I was forever back and forward to the hospital.
“Our days were filled with medical appointments, so staying at the hospice was an opportunity to take a much-needed break.
“It also felt different to the very clinical environment we were spending so much time in.
“The old accommodation was great and served a purpose, but it was undoubtedly dated and in need of a refresh.”
The project was overseen and managed by Kelling Designs, working alongside Munro Building Services.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who made the work possible,” added Sara.
“It’s beautiful and going to make such a difference to so many families like ours.
“As soon as you walk in, you get a very soothing and calming feeling – a feeling you simply wouldn’t get from somewhere more drab or less inviting.
“It’s a lovely environment and means parents like me get to have a breather in a very nice, comfortable environment. It’s so welcome and very much appreciated.”
