Martin House calls for support in making festive season ‘unforgettable’ for families
Martin House Children’s Hospice is calling for support as it plans to make this Christmas unforgettable for families in its care. Every year the hospice supports over 500 children and young people with complex and life-shortening conditions, including those from East Yorkshire, and every year it knows for some families this may be the last Christmas they have with their child.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive of Martin House, said: “When a child’s life is short, it’s vital to make the most of every moment – especially at Christmas. That’s why we pull out all the stops to ensure every family has the chance to make precious memories.”
Last December, Amardeep Sirha and Theo Morris were told their son Simba, who was just six months old and diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, would not survive to see his first Christmas. But Martin House stepped in to help them.
Amardeep said: “We cancelled Christmas, we didn’t want to do anything or see anyone – we were so angry with the world. But Martin House really persuaded us to come to its family Christmas party.
“It was our first experience of Martin House, and it was a turning point for us, and something we will never forget. We met Sir Gareth Southgate, Simba danced with princesses, and we took him to see Santa, which was something we’d tried to do but couldn’t. We cried happy tears all the way through.”
After their experience at the party, Amardeep and Theo were inspired to have a big family Christmas celebration, including having a personal visit from Santa Claus to read Simba a story. Simba’s condition stabilised, and he survived to see his first Christmas. He continues to receive care from Martin House.
Amardeep said: “That was just the beginning. From that day, Martin House has given us moments of joy we thought we’d never have.
“They’ve given us normality, reassurance and a safe place where Simba can be himself, and where we feel like a family again. Christmas now has meaning because of Martin House, it’s full of memories we’ll treasure forever.”
This Christmas, Martin House will be open around the clock to provide specialist palliative care to children and young people. Clair said: “It will cost us around £1m to run Martin House this December, ensuring we can be here for families like Simba’s, and providing the best specialist care when they need it most.”
To support Martin House’s Christmas appeal, visit martinhouse.org.uk where you can find out more.
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