Families came together for an afternoon of sunshine and smiles during the first of six summer catch-ups at The Nook.
The social gatherings – scattered throughout the school summer holidays – are for families receiving support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
As well as coming along and having fun on the hospice’s accessible playground, they are able to enjoy cooling drinks and snacks, socialise and relax.
They are also invited to bring friends from the wider community so they too can enjoy spending time at The Nook.
Among those to visit last Monday was mum Maria Phillips-Wright, who brought 12-year-old daughter Scarlett and nine-year-old son Alfie.
Although neither child receives care from EACH, Scarlett has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, while her brother has panhypopituitarism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
They were there with friend Mandi Piper, whose 13-year-old son, James, has an undiagnosed genetic condition. He and his family have been supported by EACH since the charity was based at Quidenham.
Maria said: “It’s a beautiful place and a real joy to come here and see it.
“A public playground would be so busy, but here it’s quiet and accessible.
“Scarlett and Alfie can enjoy everything, and we don’t have to worry about anything, because there’s no grit, gravel or bark for her wheelchair to get stuck in. It’s perfect.”
The family were joined by Scarlett’s carer, Natasha Vallely.
“In a public playground, there would be so many obstacles and hazards, and even if there was one piece of accessible equipment, lots of children would be using it,” she said.
“Here, it’s so different, and I think it’s lovely parents can spend time together.
“This is the first time I’ve been here, and I’m so impressed. It’s such a bright, colourful and spacious place.”
Donna Maynard brought son Max Williams, 13, daughter Ashleigh and her two young grandchildren, Jackson and Freya. Max has the rare liver disease biliary atresia and receives care from EACH.
“It’s lovely to get out and about together, and we love coming here as it’s such a safe space,” said Donna.
“Everyone’s careful and respectful, and we never feel judged.
“We enjoy being around other like-minded families, where people are understanding of each other’s needs.
“The public equivalent of the playground would look and feel so different.
“Max loves it here too, and it’s important for him to spend time around other children receiving care.
“Even as adults, we can struggle to make sense of the world, and it’s often much harder for a boy of his age. That’s why coming here and being in this environment is so great for him.”
Dad Chris Brown enjoyed the afternoon along with wife Laura and children Summer, 16, Brandon, 14, and Lillie-May, 12.
Son Levi had acute mega myeloid leukaemia and died four years ago, just before his third birthday. The family continue to receive bereavement support from EACH.
“EACH has been such a massive support, and we’ve met so many incredible people, including other families,” said Chris.
“We love the fact we don’t feel judged here, and it genuinely feels like extended family.
“You couldn’t wish to meet better people.”
Summer, Brandon and Lillie-May enjoy EACH’s sibling days and Laura added: “We’ve met some lovely people and meet up with other families outside of The Nook.
“The support we’ve received has made such a difference to us all, and coming to support groups has connected us with others in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
“We can cry and get upset if we want to, without feeling judged, and we both know we can talk about anything.”
Five more special summer catch-ups are planned between now and early September.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
