Three-year-old Amelia, from Exmouth in East Devon Amelia has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She loves visiting Little Bridge House with mum Jemma.
The family was referred to Children’s Hospice South West by Amelia’s community children's nurse and Jemma admits that she was unsure about what to expect before their first visit.
“I always thought of a hospice being an end-of-life environment but it was amazing,” said Jemma.
“But the building and gardens are lovely, and the hospice team is so kind, caring, supportive and easy to talk too; they make you feel welcome each time you stay.
I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for us and especially Amelia – they are amazing, like family.
Jemma said the hospice gives the family time to enjoy and make the most of precious moments together. Grandma has also visited and stayed with them at Little Bridge House and Amelia’s daddy is hoping to come soon too.
“We love coming to stay every few months and Amelia is always asking when we are we coming back,” said Jemma.
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“Amelia enjoys most things, such as the jacuzzi, soft play area, the Narnia sensory garden and main garden but I think her favourite is the music therapy and the doll’s house. She also enjoys painting and making cakes with the hospice team.
“She really enjoys one-to-one attention and likes to be doing something all the time, which can be tiring on a daily basis. But having the help during our stay is lovely,” added Jemma.
Little Bridge House currently supports nearly 200 local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Amelia and her mum will be taking part in the Virtual Rainbow Run to help raise money to enable the hospice to help even more families like hers.
"We are looking forward to taking part in fancy dresses in bright neon colours and tutus and helping to raise money for such a great cause that supports so many local families like ours,” said Jemma, who will be walking the 5k alongside Amelia in her wheelchair.