Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I know its like an essay but I hope you will take the time to read my story about how EACH have played such a massive part in my life and my family's life over the past 6 months. 

As you will know I recently lost my daughter Katelyn to a neuromuscular condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type 1. She was only just over 9 months old and she was the happiest little girl who spent her short little life smiling and being the cheekiest little character anyone has ever met. She was an amazing little fighter who made me the proudest Mummy ever!!

As a result of Katelyns diagnosis back in December, we were referred to EACH at Quidenham as EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice) offer support and care to families of children with life threatening conditions and complex care needs.

As an organisation, EACH have provided our family with councellors if and when we want them, a 24 hour symptom management line that I could call to ask any questions about Katelyns care no matter how small it might be, a nurse would then come out to our home if they needed too any hour of the day. They also have play specialists who come out to your home, carers who would of looked after Katelyn if I needed any relief or just to go and do the shopping! Although its not something I really took advantage of myself, I know they provide a lot of regular care for other parents so that they can just have an hour or two to do the normal every day things you can't necessarily do when caring for a child with such complex care needs. A nurse would phone every day when Katelyn was poorly to keep up to date on managing her symptoms and help me in any way I needed. 

EACH have a special family accomodation area in the hospice, somewhere you can be booked into for relief, or, as in our case, as a bereaved family. They make you cups of tea throughout the day, make you lunch and dinner every day, do your washing and ironing if you want them too, things that at a time when your head is not in a good place, its nice not have to worry about the normal day to day things like feeding yourself! 

After Katelyn passed away, they helped get the ball rolling with plans that need to be made and assist you the whole way through to make sure you have everything you need, know everything you need to know and always pop down to the family end to check your OK and if there is anything you need. 

Thats just the care they provided for us during Katelyns short time with us, not to mention the care they provide for so many children and families every day, making their lives the best they can be and giving those children a place of fun, laughter and love..not to mention the much needed support they provide for the parents and families.

At Quidenham, they have a sensory room, a soft play area, a music room and everything that the children who visit could possibly want along with specially decorated bedrooms to accomodate all ages. 

Most people would generally have the perception on what a hospice is like, I know I did before visiting Quidenham for the very first time. I thought it would be hospital like, clinical, dying children everywhere and it would just be a very sad place, but it wasn't at all!! The place was buzzing with friendly staff, really really happy children, and you could just feel the love in the place. 

I want to thank you for reading my story, I could never really put into words just how greatful I am to have had, and continue having the support of EACH Quidenham at the very worst time in my life. 

The most amazing thing is EACH completely rely on donations and fundraising, when you see what they do this is so hard to believe!! This is why I would love to at least give something back to them and the more I can raise the better, Katelyn was the most amazing daughter and I am doing this for her!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.