Families supported by Bluebell Wood have helped us mark Hospice Care Week, 8-14 October. 

The annual event celebrates the extraordinary work hospices do at the heart of their communities. More than 200 hospices provide help, support and care to over 200,000 patients, carers and families across the UK every year. 

As this year's theme is #HeartMyHospice, Bluebell Wood asked families for their thoughts. 

Kerry and Karl Salt, and their children Adam and Isla, first came to Bluebell Wood when Adam was six, and Isla was a baby.  Adam has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and uncontrolled epilepsy.  Adam visits Bluebell Wood for short breaks, often with his family.

Kerry said: “I like the fact that the whole family is taken into consideration, especially siblings, who often have their own struggles. The family fun days such as Alice in Wonderland, Supercars and Birds of Steel are a great way for us to spend fun times together and a chance to meet other families.”

Matt and Anna Muffett have been supported by Bluebell Wood since their son Ethan passed away there at just six days old. Ethan had been born with a heart defect. Anna said that Bluebell Wood is: “A safe bubble, when your world is falling around you.”

Charlotte and Gareth Mayor's baby daughter Elsa passed away at Bluebell Wood after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at just eight-months-old.  

Charlotte described Bluebell Wood as: “A safe place. We came to Bluebell Wood not knowing our lives were going to fall apart so soon. But they gave us the love and support to help us at the worst time of our lives. A little part of Elsa will always live on there.”

Gareth said: “An amazing place, run by amazing people, caring for amazing families.”

Alana and Gary Morris have been supported by Bluebell Wood since 2016. Ivy passed away at Bluebell Wood when she was just eight weeks old, two weeks after Alana and Gary were given the devastating news that Ivy had a brain tumour. Alana described Bluebell Wood as: “A place to create special memories and know you are taken care of during the worst time of your life.” 

Joanne and Jonathan Tennick came to Bluebell Wood in September 2015 after one-day-old Rosie had passed away, providing the family precious moments together that they will treasure forever. 

Joanne said Bluebell Wood: “Gave us time with our daughter that we never thought we would get, and memories to treasure for the rest of our lives.” 

Emma Doughty, Head of Family Support and Wellbeing Services, Bluebell Wood, said: “Hospice Care Week is a good opportunity for people to find out about the work that hospices do in their communities. At Bluebell Wood, families are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe each and every family deserves the chance to make special memories with their child, however much time they have together.

 “The incredible commitment of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers means that families across South Yorkshire and beyond can be supported for however long they need us. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that gives their time, money and energy to help us continue doing what we do.”

Find out ways to support children and young adults whose lives are just too short here.