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Gemma’s story- 

Talia's journey proved challenging from before she was born. In pregnancy we found out she had several heart defects and a cleft lip & palate and would need multiple surgeries in her early days. Add a difficult birth, meningitis and a genetic disorder into the mix - those early days were filled with worry, pain and a heartbreaking prognosis that Talia would live a short life. Talia spent 367 days in several hospitals fighting to prove everyone wrong and 2 days after her first birthday she was discharged home into my care. Everyday up to that point we put our faith into specialists and welcomed the outstanding care she was given by remarkable doctors and nurses, but now it was my turn to step up and keep her happy and more importantly healthy at home. No one can prepare you for that next stage - a lonely, restricted, anxious and exhausting lifestyle. I'm no longer able to pop to the gym, or drive to Tesco's, catch up with friends for a last minute coffee. Every trip outside the house takes such preparation and packing and always requires 2 people to keepTalia safe. 

Then I was introduced to the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service and its team of wonderful carers; and what they offered my family I truly believe - a life line. Alexander Devine provides specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties. They started visiting us at home to look after Talia, whilst I slept, cleaned, shopped, worked out or saw friends and family. I was able to step outside, safe in the knowledge Talia was medically cared for but more importantly happy. They offer day visits at their hospice in Maidenhead where she is left to explore a different environment, independently finding her feet in the world. Fun days, overnight respite, care packs, family sessions are just a few of the ways this charity helps families like mine make precious memories. Their kindness and support has had such an impact on our lives, I'm not sure we would all be in the happy place we are now without them. Every penny will help - It costs around £1.8 million to run this children’s hospice service each year.