Shooting Stars Children's Hospice
Milo Miers 1999 - 2002
The Miers' beloved son Milo died in hospital aged three. He'd been ill for over a year and his parents really wanted to bring him home to die but it wasn't possible. Instead Milo's lat days were spent in a large hospital. The new children's hospice will ensure that children and families suffering as they did, will soon have a homely environment with a skilled team to ease and support children and their families through incredibly difficult times.
The Shooting Star Children's Hospice has, through voluntary funds, constructed a hospice for children in Hampton, West London. It is due to welcome it's first children and their families by the end of this year.
A child suffering from a life-limiting illness is usually diagnosed in hospital. The parents are then responsible for all future care. Having to look after a terminally ill child puts enormous strain on family life. Holidays family activities and outgoings are a thing of the past. Parents rarely get any time to themselves while brother and sisters can feel left out. Families feel isolated, alone and afraid of what the future will hold. That's when a hospice can make such a difference.
The Shooting Star Children's Hospice will offer families the support they need. It will be a 'home from home' that will be there for hundreds of children 365 days a year, at no cost to the family. The hospice will provide short breaks (respite care) for seriously ill children, where families can be relived of 24-hour nursing care, as well as care and support in the final stages of a child's life.
The hooting Stare Children's Hospice is scheduled to open at the end of this year. Whoever the challenge does not end there, as it will cost £2 million each year to sustain the hospice care service. Children's hospices receive no statutory government funding and rely totally on voluntary donations.
- £6,500 will provide a comprehensive package of care and support for one one family for a year
- £5,000 will provide a 24 hour telephone support line to parents and children for a year
- £1,800 will cover the annual laundry bill
- £382 will buy a special disabled shower chair
- £25 will buy a special v shaped pillow.
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