It's three and a half years since Shawn went into the Mountbatten Hospice but I will never forget the love and kindness that supported us through Shawn's final month. They cared for him so that I could care for our children and they cared for me to give me the strength to carry on each day. The John Cheverton centre offered us respite from the ward in a multitude of ways: the peaceful garden - where the kids collected conkers, the cafe - which put by jam doughnuts for the kids visits after school, the massage therapist - who smoothed away my tensions, the art teachers-who gave the children projects to share with their Dad and the counsellors, doctors and nurses-who listened, provided tissues and gave me peace in my heart and hope for the future. Our Island Hospice provides so much for us when we don't know where else to turn, yet survives predominantly from fund-raising. Please donate generously.