My little sister Charlotte passed away on 10th October 2013 due to complications after having bone cancer. The last 3 years of her life was full of hospital, pain and suffering. In June 2013 we were told that she was terminally ill and there was nothing more the hospital could do. This is when the incredible work that Demelza house does really came to light. 

Charlotte was transferred to Demelza house childrens hospice where she had her own room and carers 24/7. It offered a kind of support we wouldn't of been able to provide at home and as she required a lot of medication it was so nice to know that she was in safe hands. 

I regularly stayed at the hospice over summer. They provided me with my own room above Charlottes so I could be with her when she woke up and when she went to sleep. The staff there also supported me during my stay, making sure I was ok as I'm sure you can imagine it was incredibly emotionally draining. 

Charlotte loved using all the amazing facilities Demelza house had to offer, She loved using the art room where she had art therapy to make her less anxious. There was also a teenage room with brand new computers, t.v's and games consoles. It would be a struggle to get her away from the teenage room when it was bed time. 

Sadly Charlotte grew weaker and was unable to leave her bed. She'd sleep for 20 hours a day, which was hard to watch. The staff at demelza house made those few hours she was awake fun by making her pancakes (her favourite food) into different shapes like lady birds and giraffes. They'd bring arts and crafts to her room for her to play with for when she was awake. As when I was there I didn't want to leave her they'd bring my dinner to the room for me so I wouldn't have to leave. 

As Charlotte began to realise that she was going to die, she told me she was scared. She told me that she was scared to go to sleep, I held her hand and told her not to be scared because I'm here and I'll make sure someone is always here to hold your hand. She then cried herself to sleep, not letting go of my hand. I spoke to the staff after what had happened and they then made sure that someone was always holding Charlotte's hand when she was asleep. Charlotte wasn't so scared anymore and on the 10th October 2013 whilst a member of staff was holding her hand. She passed away. 

I know a Children's hospice is a world far from your own but you will be suprised as to how many children sadly pass away and how many families are left with a huge hole in their heart. Demelza house does incredible work for the terminally ill children and their families.

Adding life to days when days cannot be added to life.

I hope you will find it in your heart to give to my cause.