Meta Pixel

Jovie’s story

Est. read time: 1-2 minutes.

Bereaved mum Deborah Goddard has spoken of the support she receives from EACH.

Daughter Jovie was just a year and 11 days old when she passed away in April 2022. A severe brain condition was detected during pregnancy but she defied the odds by living for over a year. Then, after her passing at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, she moved to The Nook. Her family were able to create precious memories and spend time together.

“It was an incredibly tough time,” said Lowestoft-based Deborah. “Jovie did amazingly and we feel blessed to have had a year together, because she wasn’t expected to live that long. EACH was there in the background when she was alive, in terms of helping with symptom management.

“Then, after she passed, we had the chance to spend some days at the hospice.It was still a shock, despite being expected, and gave us an opportunity to process everything that was going on.

“We felt looked after. My other daughter, Tallulla, was supported and got the attention she deserved and we had the chance to bath and dress Jovie.

“We made hand and footprint casts, creating precious memories that I’ll forever hold close to my heart. It wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, so I’ll always be grateful.”

Deborah and Tallulla, now 14, continue to receive bereavement support at The Nook.  They also attend events at the hospice with Jovie’s Dad and their other children, including Memory Days.

“It’s lovely having a place where Jovie will always be remembered,” added Deborah.

“It makes me feel that I’m not alone in my grief.”

 

Published in June 2023

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.

"It’s lovely having a place where Jovie will always be remembered. It makes me feel that I’m not alone in my grief.”

Related stories

Bethany’s story

Est. read time – 3-4 minutes. Parents of an inspirational teenager living with a condition that causes her muscles to weaken have…

Henry’s story

Est. read time – 4-5 minutes. Proud parents whose toddler is defying the odds have spoken of the invaluable care and support…

Read story

Frances’ story

Est. read time – 5-6 mins. They say a picture paints a thousand words and that’s perhaps never truer than in the…

Read story
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top