Hello, 

My name is Maxine and I am raising money for The Haven House hospice. This is not only because they do fantastic work but because they have been a great help and support to my family and I.

My beautiful son Kai was born in August 2007 and sadly there were difficulties at the birth. This left him with serve damage to his brain resulting in him being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegic and Epilepsy. This means that Kai unlike most other children has very limited abilities; he cannot walk, sit up or support himself unaided. He cannot control his muscle movements meaning he solely relies on me and others for help. 

Sadly as time has progressed and Kai has grown other issues and conditions have arisen. Kai has what is deemed a dangerous swallow which means that having any liquid or food by mouth is a no no. This is because instead of going into his stomach it goes onto his lungs, which causes him to have very severe chest infections. This has in the past been the case and we have spent many nights in hospital. Thankfully Kai had an operation which allows him now to be fed by tube directly to his stomach.

Kai also has very little chance of being able to speak as most of us do so instead he can just vocalise, i.e. make different noises rather loudly! This being said my Kai is probably the happiest little boy I know. He’s never sad or crying (unless really ill or in pain) and usually laughing. He has a boisterous personality and likes to be heard!! He defiantly likes all the lady doctors/nurses etc and knows how to flutter his eyelashes to get his own way....a cuddle!

The money I hope to raise for Haven House will go to help a lot of families. They give much needed respite to the families of children with special needs. They also have a fantastic range of support from coffee mornings for the parents, music therapy and a Buddies group for the siblings, to name a few. All of that is along with fantastic events throughout the year where families in similar circumstances can enjoy days out. 

Below are a few statements from the Haven House website about the service and care they provide, and also a link to their site if you wish to look further:

Haven House is a happy place full of the sounds of children's laughter and fun. We are not a place where children simply come to die but where children come to live life as fully as they are able. Of course we deal with hard events and realities in people's lives but we offer a 'home from home' in which we care for children and families throughout their lives.

 

Haven House is a special place for special children. We care for children and young people from birth to age 19 who have life-limiting conditions and who are unlikely to reach adulthood. We help families by providing a range of services that include day, short break and end of life care, together with therapeutic play in the community. Families can find the support they need when they need it most at no cost to themselves. We look after children and their families across North and East London and West Essex.

http://www.havenhouse.org.uk/

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