In 2015 our daughter Stella was born with an undiagnosed genetic disorder which gave her extremely complex medical needs. We were lucky to have 8.5 months with her, most of which we got to spend in our own home.

In July 2016, Stella returned to Treliske with pneumonia, she battled for just under a week but sadly passed away on Tuesday the 12th of July. We had spoken about Little Harbour previously with our medical team but had never managed to get there in her short life, when it became apparent that Stella would not make the day our incredible team at Treliske contacted the support staff at Little Harbour.

They arrived shortly after her death to escort us back to Little Harbour, our key worker Carly was amazing in, what were the darkest hours of our lives, they let my wife carry Stella to the car and all the way to the Starlight room at the Hospice where she lay in rest while they looked after us. We stayed at the hospice for 5 nights, they helped us tell Tom that his sister was gone and entertained him while cooking for us and helping us plan her funeral. Our support team and the siblings workers were such a great support, they attended her funeral and looked after Tom when it all got too much for him.

In the five years since her death they have stayed in our lives, Tom has been to numerous siblings groups, Cath has  attended the bereaved mothers group and we all love going to the annual summer fete.

We didn't use the hospice while Stella lived but we know if she had it would have been an amazing place of refuge for us all. They give fantastic care to not only the children whose needs are complex but to the entire family.

The day after we complete the ride will be the 5th anniversary of Stella leaving us and i am riding in memory of her.