Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Claire House Children's Hospice is a charity close to my heart, Unfortunately they cannot run without people fundraising. As I nearly died when I did a 10K run I have decided to throw myself out of a plane instead...

In the summer of 2013 just days after our future king was born, our own princess arrived on the 27^th July. James and I were made up with our perfect little bundle of joy naming her ‘Niamh Marie Knowles’ as a family we couldn’t have been happier! Until the day any parent dreads, Niamh took ill and was rushed to Warrington Hospital at just twelve days old. After hours of trying to stabilise her, she was transferred to Alder Hay Children’s Hospital, unfortunately Niamh was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour (ATRT). As new parents we had to make a choice for our special little girl. We chose to make the best of the short time we had left and moved into Claire House Children’s Hospice. The care ourselves and Niamh received was amazing, they honestly didn’t know what had hit them when twelve adults turned up to settle us into our home from home. The staff were quick to accommodate the whole family feeding, watering and helping to cope with the jet-lagged aunties and uncles who had travelled from the other side of the world!

 

We ended up staying at Claire House for four weeks. Niamh was given the best care I could have asked for, with staff fussing over her, I couldn’t have asked for more. An emphasis was made on ‘Making Memories’ we were given so many opportunities to build up our memory box. We had beautiful family photos taken by ‘JUMP’ which will be treasured by all forever. The potting Shed came and we were able to make some plates with Niamh’s footprints. As me and James love animals, one of our wishes was to visit a zoo as a family. Claire House arranged a visit to Chester Zoo which was a perfect family day out.

 

All the time the staff were preparing us for the inevitable, offering support and advice. When the day came on the 16^th September, Niamh passed away peacefully. The staff were there to help and support, making a terrible time a little easier!

 

Even a year and a half on, Claire House are there to support us. I regularly participate in group sessions where I have met some wonderful people who I will have as friends for life. Recently, we lost another baby, Harriet Rose Knowles’ who was born too soon. Again, I felt totally support by the wonderful staff who will never understand how that little text or phone call can brighten your day and make you feel special knowing there is the support there.

Without donations Claire House could not run! Please help this wonderful place to keep giving magic memories to children who have enough to deal with anyway!