Four years ago, our beautiful, funny, eccentric four year old son Douglas, died of cancer following more than a year of treatment.

We have set ourselves this challenge in memory of Douglas. Whilst no challenge will equal the challenge of living without Douglas we are really stretching ourselves to cycle this far.

We want to remember not just that Douglas died, but also that he lived. He was a strong willed little boy, who knew exactly what he wanted, insisting on taking his yellow scissors and his Lego shower everywhere with him. But he was also funny and loving and when he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh with him. Throughout his treatment, his personality endured and carried on just being Douglas to the end.

We were first introduced to Each when Douglas was first diagnosed. At first it was alarming to be offered the services of a hospice when we were still hopeful that treatment could cure him. But it was explained that children’s hospices do not just offer end of life care and that they also offer support to families of children with life threatening illnesses. We had some family days out organised through Each and Clara attended some sibling events, where brothers and sisters of life threatened children spend some time where they are the focus of attention.

When we learned that Douglas’ condition was terminal, Each were there for us every step of the way.  Douglas loved his home and we knew the right thing for him was to be at home. After months in and out of hospital, it was a relief to be able to stay out home and spend time as a family. The wonderful Each nurses visited us, some times multiple times a day to make sure Douglas was a comfortable as possible. He spent his last few weeks doing what he loved, playing with his toys and watching Scooby Doo, surrounded by those who loved him most.

But the support from Each didn’t stop when Douglas died. They helped us with the admin and thinking about funeral arrangements and then later with counseling and bereavements groups. The support from Each really was invaluable and we owe them of debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and please consider donating if you can.

With love Jane & Henry