Theo’s Story…

Theo was born at 29 weeks and was diagnosed very early on with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, feeding problems and severe reflux. He was later registered partially blind. Theo has braved 37 surgical procedures in his short life and also fought off viral and bacterial meningitis. He was fed directly into his bowel hourly and continuously throughout the night whilst being oxygen dependant.

Denise Singh-Eyley: There are many words to describe Theo. Beautiful, special, cheeky but probably the most fitting word is a ‘fighter’. Theo never ceased to amaze me; he inspired me and is a really super son. Everyone who knows Theo will agree no matter how poorly he was, he never refuses to smile!

Theo as ever amazed us with his fight all the way to his final moments with us, he left Consultants speechless after he went on a 5-week spell with no feed, this was following the consultant’s decision to withdraw treatment. He made it clear to all of us that he would decide when he wanted to pass, he did so in the presence of our loving family and the Bluebell Wood team.

Who are Bluebell Wood?

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice care for children and young adults with life-shortening/ life-threatening conditions as well as their families. This support is delivered to children and families both at their hospice in North Anston (Sheffield) and in their homes.

The hospice is surrounded by six and a half acres of land and first opened its doors in 2008. The hospice offers eight bedrooms and accommodation for family, a relaxing lounge/ dining area, sensory room, messy play area, cinema room and much more!

The hospice environment follows their motto of ‘living with love and laughter’. Everyday they create special memories for children, young adults and families that they can treasure for life. Bluebell Wood gives families the chance to relax, take a break and have fun!

How Bluebell Wood helped Theo, Mike and his family.

Theo was referred in 2009 and visited Bluebell Wood for respite care. He later sadly passed away on 1st of June 2018.

Bluebell Wood have offered Theo and my family support you cannot begin to describe! I am confident when I say we would have crumbled without them during such a difficult time in our lives.

The Hospice also gives us the opportunity to talk to other parents who are going through similar situations. We accept that we were all there for the same reason and that we all have something different to offer each other. This can be as simple as sharing advice, having a shoulder to cry on but also the creating of lovely memories. We share a bond with the staff like no other.

We are blessed to have been in such an amazing environment with such a fantastic network of support. When I personally left the hospice following Theo’s passing it really did hit home how amazing the staff are there, these are staff that build bonds with children like Theo all year round and have to also experience such sadness and trauma. The staff are a real credit to say the least!

Statement from Theo’s family

Who are the Fundraisers?

That's us! Mike's team! Colleagues and friends who are coming together to raise as much money as we can to help families who are facing these devastating challenges.

We will be aiming to get our message out Nationally and we are in the process of training for a 20 mile walk both North and South. We are also planning a cake sale at our Super Hub and various raffles through prize donations.

(The final donation directly to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice will be registered as an independent campaign under ‘The Singh-Eyley Family’ and also as a joint business campaign under Royal Mail.)

How can you help us?

Your time to circulate this message, help us during upcoming events and any donations will make a massive difference!

To put things into perspective…….

• It costs over £4 million a year to keep the Hospice open

• Bluebell Wood receives just 10% of funding from statutory government sources!

• The outstanding funding is generated by their supporters and hopefully you!

• All services that Bluebell wood offer are completely free to children and families who are referred to them.

What can your contribution do…..

• £1 could help a child breathe easier with an oxygen mask

• £5 could pay for a phone call at 3am with a parent who just needs to talk

• £10 could pay for a play session with lots of fun and laughter

• £20 could pay for a child to take a dip in the jacuzzi