The first time I went to visit Helen House with my baby daughter Beatrice, I didn't really know what to expect, but I was very apprehensive. I imagined seeing poorly children and crying parents, I could only imagine a children's hospice must be a terribly sad place to be. Thankfully, I was completely wrong! Helen House was the first place I found where Beatrice is considered NORMAL! Nobody stares at the tubes that connect her to her feeding pump and oxygen tank, everyone's seen it all before. Doctors here discuss Beatrice's prognosis in a caring way, allowing and understanding our optimism. Beatrice's siblings get to spend time with Mum and Dad doing fun things, in the art room, playing games or watching one of the 'millions' of DVDs whilst Beatrice is safe with a trained carer. We get to spend time together with Beatrice in the amazing sensory roon or doing some physio with her in the spa. We manage to have a full night of restful sleep whilst Beatrice is in the hospice, safe in the knowledge that she is being so well cared for, by people who want the best for her. But most of all, we have time to talk. We value chatting with other parents and staff who really understand the reality of having a child with a life-limiting condition. When we are at the hospice, we don't feel so alone :-) The support given by Helen and Douglas House is immeasurable, but I would love to give something back, even in a small way. Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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