News

Funds from an annual charity ball have enabled Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell to buy a new vehicle for use by its Sibling Team.

Dave and Paula Whitfield and their family were supported by the charity when their two-year-old grandson Ethan died in 2011 after suffering from the incurable disease Tay-Sachs. Sadly Ethan died just one month before Little Harbour opened however Ethan, along with his parents Nicola and Simon, travelled to CHSW’s children’s hospice in Barnstaple; Little Bridge House for respite stays and support.

Since Ethan’s death his grandparents Dave and Paula, along with his parents Nicola and Simon, have organised an annual ball in his memory. Supported by 300 people each year the ball raises between £5000 and £10,000 which is donated to CHSW. Ethan’s family have raised funds tirelessly which as well as covering many other hospice costs have also contributed towards the purchase of a new sibling car in 2016 for Little Bridge House.

Since then they have continued to organise their annual ball and their most recent donation from Ethan’s memorial fund has allowed Little Harbour to purchase a brand-new Kia Xceed from Hawkins Motor Group in St Stephen who have shown generous support to the charity. 

On Friday 8^th November the car was presented to the team at Little Harbour including Co-Founder and CEO of CHSW Eddie Farwell. Also in attendance were Ethan’s parents and grandparents along with Richard Courtney, John and Heather Penny, and Jeremy Phillips and Patrick Nugent from Hawkins Motor Group.

Following the arrival of the new car Eddie Farwell commented “We are so very grateful to Dave Whitfield and all of his family and friends for their continued, generous support of Children’s Hospice South West.

We are delighted that their donation can be used to purchase something that really will make a difference to the support we can offer the siblings that visit Little Harbour with their families.

Dave Whitfield said; “As a family, we are extremely proud of all the friends and family that continue to support our dinner and fundraising efforts in memory of Ethan.”

Little Harbour is supporting over 125 local children with life limiting illnesses and their families which include over 200 siblings. Along with organising fun activities for siblings during their stay the team also offer emotional support and a listening ear to brothers and sisters who may have complex questions about their siblings’ illness and family life. The new vehicle will allow more trips out for siblings to experience things not always possible when at home due to the complex medical needs of their brother or sister.