For parents who have a child who is born with a life limiting condition the world is often an emotionally worrying and fraught place. The thought of a hospice doesn’t even register in your consciousness and this certainly was the case with us when Archie was born almost 6 years ago.

I’m well aware that every child who comes through their doors is different, each with their own sets of needs. Archie probably falls into the category of needing less hands on care than most but that doesn’t mean it’s’ all plain sailing with him.

We were introduced to the team at CTH almost as soon as he first came out of hospital aged 8 months. To our delight we were told that he qualified for 2 weeks respite care a year. With him being a twin and with us having another child 4 years older this was wonderful news. Coupled with this, I was also on the waiting list for a liver transplant so things were certainly hectic! My poor wife!!

They offer family stayovers so our first experience was actually a 2 night break with all 3 kids. It was a wonderful introduction for everyone, for Archie it gave him the opportunity to explore the house and for us it was a way of getting some welcome respite care
knowing that he was so close in case he needed us.

We needn’t had worried as from day 1 he gave us a quick good bye look and then never looked back, he just went straight off to his favourite area with his nurse.

He truly is at his happiest when he is at CTH and is always asking us how many sleeps to the next time he visits!

Contrary to what most people believe child hospices are far from the sad places that people think they are. They can and should be a beacon of light for the children who go there and perhaps more importantly, the families who get respite care or space to grieve.

Who knows what the future holds for Archie. It may well be the case that like many families before us my wife and I will be placing a stone with his name on in their beautiful garden of remembrance.

Right now he’s living life to the max
and you can see his cheeky face in many of their marketing materials. It’s always funny when I am on LinkedIn and see his face staring back at me! My wife and I cannot thank CTH enough for allowing him to lead his best life in a safe, warm and incredibly caring environment. 

CTH consistently put the child first to make sure they are able to have a childhood that although vastly different from their peers, offers them the chance to experience the same joys and little things in life that is all part of growing up.

The end of life deserves as much care and respect as the beginning and that’s what CTH do so well.

Chestnut Tree House is a children’s charity providing hospice care and community support for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.There are hundreds of children and young people in your local community who are unlikely to reach adulthood. And even more parents and family members who need care, help and support on their journey, as they do not know how long they will have together.Your help enables families to spend time together. Precious moments that give a lifetime of memories.