Our son Owen was born in Evelina London Children's hospital in September 2023 with a major heart condition. He underwent open heart surgery on day 3, with a further 2 major surgeries during the first week.

Marie from Echo found us in intensive care, gave us a care pack and a hug, and told us that whatever happened, Echo would be there for us. Words can't describe what a difference having some support at that critical moment meant to us.

Owen spent the first 7 months of his life in hospital. He spent Christmas on the ward, where Marie and the Echo elves came to celebrate and give out presents to all the children. They made a big fuss of Owen's older brother who was overjoyed. Not just in the big moments, Echo were there during the small, mundane, monotonous moments of hospital life. We really appreciated the weekly tea trolley, as well as the drop ins whenever Marie and friends were passing the ward.

Echo are a big part of Owen's life. They gave us a support network of other people who understand, who can relate. They ran events like days out at London Zoo, online zoom calls, help parents give training to nurses to help them understand. Even now, when Owen goes back for check ups, Marie stops by to say hi.

We don't know what the future holds, but we know we are incredibly grateful, and we wouldn't be here without Echo.