A family from Chadwell is getting into the Christmas spirit and taking part in a bit of festive fun to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

 

On Sunday 5th December the grounds of Little Havens Children’s Hospice will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual ‘Santas on the Run’ and six year old Lily Freeman and her family are jingling all the way to Thundersley to take part. Lily lives in Chadwell with her Mum Tracy, Dad Michael, both 31, and brothers Harry, 11 and Thomas, 4. Lily was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at just four days old and has been visiting Little Havens Children’s Hospice for respite breaks since January 2010.

The family signed up to take part in the 5k fun run after one of the mums at Little Havens told them how much fun it was. Tracy says, “The kids will love it and we’re really looking forward to it. We go for long walks anyway so the boys will enjoy that and it’s going to be a great day out for us all.”

Lily’s condition means she can’t walk, talk, or feed on her own. She communicates by making baby-like noises, needs medication for reflux and has to have daily physiotherapy. Tracy continues, “If Lily isn’t feeling well she needs 24 hour hands-on care and she needs to be cuddled all the time. Apart from Little Havens, it’s just been us looking after Lily for the last few years. Lily likes to watch the TV, listen to her music and cuddle her teddy. She’s a happy girl and doing really well at school.”

As Lily has got older, her care needs have increased and going to Little Havens for respite breaks gives the family a chance to spend quality time together and relax knowing Lily and her brothers are being well cared for. Dad Michael says, “Lily has a great time at Little Havens and we’re so relaxed when we’re there - it’s just like being at home.

“We can switch off and chill out on the sofa’s or get involved with all the activities and the food is lovely! It’s an amazing building and there is so much there to do. But it also gives us the chance to go out for a meal and a drink together, go to the cinema or spend more time with the boys. We relax knowing she is safe and happy.”

Little Havens provides respite breaks, symptom control and end of life care to children and teenagers living with life-limiting illnesses with the emphasis on making every day count and Lily benefits from all the therapeutic treatments and fun activities available. Tracy says, “Lily likes her massages, being in the multi sensory room, splashing about in the pool and painting in the messy play area – she gets so much done when she’s there! She comes home exhausted but it means she has had a great time and she always sleeps well.”

Little Havens will cost £2.3 million to run this year and events like ‘Santas on the Run’ are a brilliant way to raise money, and have a great family day out and the charity is urging people across Essex to register today. The 5k route will start at 10.30am and families choosing the 1k can start at 11.30am or 1pm. Entry costs just £12 for adults £6 for children or £30 for families. Entry includes a Santa suit for adults and Christmassy headgear for children.

For further information please contact Susie May or Cerena Ashwell on 01702 220357/ 220375, email smay@havenshospices.org.uk / cashwell@havenshospices.org.uk or to register online click here.