Why running?

Nick's son Frankie passed away on 29th January at just over 3 months old due to a rare and complicated heart defect which was not detected during pregnancy or neonatally. 

When Frankie's heart defect was finally diagnosed at 2.5months old, the doctor's explained that every time Frankie ate, it was like he had to run a marathon - that's how hard it was for him. That means that Frankie did a lot of "running" in his short life but always with a huge bright smile!

A half marathon will not be easy for any of the boys (an endless stream of 30th birthday parties, covid infections, the wrong shoes and ailing calf muscles to name just a few of the "explanations"!), but they do it with Frankie's daily struggle in mind.

Frankie and Demelza

Frankie was transfered from the busy and stressful PICU at the Evelina Children's Hospital to Demelza's bereavement suite in Eltham so he could spend his last precious moments with his mummy, daddy, grandparents and auntie in peaceful and homely surroundings.

The specialist and compassionate care team offered support, advice and practical help to Nick and Sarah through a very difficult time.  

More About Demelza

For every parent, the health and happiness of their children is the single most important thing in the world. But the reality is any child could be born with or develop a terminal condition.

Demelza supports around 750 babies, children and young people with terminal conditions and their families across East Sussex, Kent and South East London every year, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, completely free of charge. 

As a charity, Demelza is almost entirely dependent on the generosity of its supporters to provide the funds that keep its services going. 

Why your donation is so important:

• £11 could pay for a precious hour of care by a Demelza care assistant
• £15 could help pay for personalising a bedroom for a child's end of life care
• £25 could pay for a day of delicious meals for a family of four staying at Demelza
• £60 could pay for an hour of art or music therapy for a child or sibling
• £150 will provide a family with the opportunity to have a bereavement session with a member of the family support team
• £200 could cover the average cost of a family going through the referral process to acces vital care and support from Demelza