ellenor: Keeping seriously ill children and families together at Christmas

“ellenor have been an amazing part in helping with respite care as Tyler is too poorly to attend school; they take the role of caring for him while I get to take the opportunities to have five minutes to myself or take our seven month old daughter, Macie out for some fresh air or carry out the household jobs that need completing. ellenor Respite Team really have been a saving grace, Tyler may not be able to communicate but I believe by his slight actions; eye movement or breathing sighs he loves having Hannah and Emma help our family out” Katie Aldridge, Tyler’s mum.

ellenor prides itself on delivering the best hospice care to seriously and terminally ill children and young adults between 0 to 19 years across Kent and the London Borough of Bexley. We believe it’s crucial not only to support the children under our care, but also their siblings. We help to reduce the time children have to spend in hospital by arranging and co-ordinating the care tailored to their needs at home and providing specialist advice as well as emotional and other practical support for the family. The team also works closely with multiple teams in hospitals and in the community to ensure the highest quality of care.

The children under ellenor’s care have many different and complex conditions and our Specialist Nurses are here to improve the quality of life not just of the child but also the family and their siblings.No matter the age of the child, prognosis or the stage of their illness,ellenoris there through diagnosis and treatment, enabling limited time to be precious family time.Because life is unpredictable, we are here 365 days a year, seven days a week, night and day, whenever we are needed.

Sarah Carter works as a Children’s Palliative Care Nurse Specialist for ellenor.

“Christmas can be very difficult, especially if children are very sick or at end of life. It’s a really key goal for our families to have that last Christmas together, and we help to facilitate that. We keep them out of hospital as we provide that specialist complex care.

The families live life from day to day, the outcome may be tragic and painful for those close to them but we try and have the best time with them and their family, making this moment count for the child and making memories for the family.

One new child or young person is referred to ellenor each week. A donation from you can help make a very important difference in children’s lives when it matters most and help them make the most of the precious time they have together. 

By supporting ellenor this Christmas your kindness will make a real difference. Please donate online: https://ellenor.org/christmas-appeal or call our Supporter Care team on 01322 626509