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Abi’s story

Est. read time: 1-2 minutes.

A bereaved sister has thanked the children’s hospice that cared for her “strong, smiling” brother at the end of his life. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) looked after Callum after he was diagnosed with an aggressive grade four brain tumour on Christmas Eve 2018. He was just 13.

He had an operation to remove as much of it as safely possible, in addition to two rounds of radiotherapy. However, he died at The Nook, EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, in August 2020. Abi, who lives in Diss, said: “I have a very personal connection with EACH.

“Their support gave my brother, and our family, so many positive opportunities together. Callum got to have trips to The Nook, where he could play with Lego, make up a jazz piece on the piano in music therapy, paint and decorate various ornaments and pottery, as well as other crafts, all with a cheesy film playing in the background!

“He even got to meet the Norwich City footballers (Callum’s team!). We made so many precious memories that wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness and support of everyone at EACH.” Abi studied at Diss High School before starting work as a Learning Support Assistant at Archbishop Sancroft High School (ASHS).

“Callum was incredibly brave and strong and always had a smile on his face. I’ll always look up to him for that,” she added. “Towards the end of his life, most of his time was spent at The Nook. He stayed there with my parents and we were all made so welcome.

“The care shown to Callum and the rest of us was exceptional; giving him care and support the whole time. Even during the pandemic, and amid the lockdowns, there was always someone to safely talk to and joke with. EACH has continued to support us through something that nobody should ever have to go through.”

Published in August 2022

Families’ stories and experiences are unique to them and we have been kindly granted permission to share this family’s story. If you have been affected by what you’ve read or have a question and would like to talk to someone, please contact your local children’s hospice service or Together for Short Lives, the UK charity that supports families caring for seriously ill children (tel: 0808 8088 100). 

 

Would you like us to write and share your own family story?

We give all those receiving support from EACH the opportunity to share their family story. All family members are welcome to get involved if they’d like to and we will never share your story until you are completely happy with it. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more, please contact Matt Plummer, EACH Media and PR Manager at matt.plummer@each.org.uk.

Their support gave my brother, and our family, so many positive opportunities together.

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