Millie’s story – why CHSW makes a real difference to local families

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is asking supporters to help create magical moments for families like Millie’s this Christmas and beyond.

Nine-year-old Millie, her mother Meg and little sister Mia, from Barnstaple, have been supported by CHSW for more than seven years by their closest children’s hospice, Little Bridge House in Fremington.

Millie has a very rare genetic syndrome that brings many complex medical challenges. She has hydrocephalus and has already undergone 23 brain surgeries in her short life.

Millie is fed through a special tube and uses a power-assisted wheelchair to get around. Her care needs are significant and her mum provides this support around the clock at home.

Meg first heard about CHSW when Millie was just nine months old and recovering from her fourth surgery. When Millie’s paediatrician recommended a referral to Little Bridge House, it soon became a place of great support for the family.

READ NEXT: Pictures – Santas on a bike bring festive cheer to children’s hospice

On their very first stay at the hospice, Meg admits she didn’t know what to expect, or what a children’s hospice would be like and was surprised that it was not at all what she expected.

She said: “It was just really sweet; everyone was lovely and friendly. They were very excited to meet Millie. Everyone came over and made a fuss and wanted to speak to her, it was just so lovely, almost like settling into a family.

“It took me aback as we had been in a lot of medical situations, in and out of hospital, where, although people are nice, this was completely different.

“The care team wanted to cuddle Millie and talk to her, get to know her. It was just nice to see people wanting to interact like that with Millie. They see children for what they are, not their medical condition.”

Little Bridge House not only provides expert care for Millie during the family’s hospice days and hospice stays, but also specialist sibling support for Millie’s little sister Mia and a much-needed rest for mum, Meg.

Christmas is an especially magical time for families such as Millie’s where the care team create experiences for the whole family to enjoy, from Father Christmas flying in on a helicopter to donkeys visiting and a sensory Christmas light trail through the Narnia garden, these magical moments create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Meg added: “I remember one year staying at Little Bridge House over the festive period. The decorations were up everywhere, it was so beautiful. They had lots of lovely Christmas events like visiting Santa and carol singing.

“As we live so close to Little Bridge House we are lucky enough to be able to come along to lots of these special events.”

Emma Perry, head of fundraising at Little Bridge House, said: “Thank you so much for supporting families like Millie’s this Christmas. Your kindness means so much to those facing incredibly tough challenges. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Meg explained what Little Bridge House means to her: “Little Bridge House is a place full of love and happiness and that’s the main thing for me, I just feel happy going and I know that Millie and Mia love it too.”

To support families like Millie’s this Christmas and beyond, donate at www.chsw.org.uk/magicalmoments