Charlie's Story!

As most of you know, our wonderful, inspirational Charlie is courageously battling Mitochondrial Disease.

Mitochondrial disease occurs when our mitochondria cannot provide the energy our cells need to function properly. Mitochondrial disease is a metabolic disorder, meaning one of the processes involved in making, using or disposing of materials in the body is abnormal. There is no cure for this cruel disease.

Devastatingly, Charlie is not expected to live past childhood. So me and Toby, make it our mission to make sure that Charlie feels as comfortable, happy, and loved, as much as possible. We have been lucky enough to make some wonderful memories with our wonderful little boy.

With these happy times, comes times when Charlie gets poorly and needs to be in hospital. Charlie had a very rough time throughout March/April 2025 and we are trying our hardest to get Charlie to feel all of the positive things again. This has been a challenge because, Charlie had been through a traumatic time, but his little smile remained throughout this experience.

This is where Demelza comes in. They have been absolutely amazing for Charlie, myself, Toby and for our extended family!

Demelza offers:

- Play sessions for children like Charlie. This helps Charlie be around Charlie who have been through similar situations and have complex medical needs. This is a great time for me and Toby to chat with other parents.

- Counselling and family support.

- Activity days to make memories for the family.

- Respite sessions.

- So much more.

Demelza is such an amazing and supportive charity, that we would not be able to get through this challenging experience without them.

Charlie, myself, Toby (work dependant) and Charlie's Auntie Harriet will be taking part in this year's Demelza Bubble Race! We want to be able to take part in something really fun and positive and to give back to an organisation that is beyond amazing.

If you can, please can you donate, as little or big as you want/can, or just share to others, so we can get as much money together for this supportive and wonderful Charity.

Thank you so much,

best wishes,

Charlotte, Toby, Charlie and Harriet xx

"At Demelza Hospice Care for Children, we believe that every child, deserves extraordinary care, especially those facing serious or life-limiting conditions. Our dedicated team provides expert clinical, emotional, and practical support to these remarkable children and their families throughout Kent, South East London, and East Sussex. We are there for them at every step of their journey – from the moment of diagnosis and for as long as needed."

"We ask you to stand with us in this mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for these extraordinary children. Your generosity will ensure that Demelza can keep delivering the exceptional care that every child deserves."