NewsSummer 2015

Inside: Meet Dougie, read about the work of our Young Adult Co-Ordinatorand find out how you can support local families.

Dougie Atkinson from Chesterfield has an undiagnosed neurological condition. His mum Beth shares the story of her smiley, gorgeous boy:

When we first visited Bluebell Wood we were blown away by how welcoming it is and how supported we felt. Looking after a child with such conditions can be hard. Dougie uses a ventilator overnight, is fed directly through a tube in his stomach and has a tube in his throat to help him breathe.

There are few people who can give him the specialist support he needs, other than myself and his dad. Having Bluebell Wood helps a lot. Just last year, he got really poorly. After several hospital admissions, Bluebell Wood was a welcoming, calming place we could be together as a family, knowing Dougie was in safe hands. It was then that it really hit home to me how important Bluebell Wood was in our lives.

“Now, on those really bad days, we know that we can bring Dougie to the hospice and he’ll be looked after properly.”

We’ve yet to get a diagnosis for Dougie, but we’re confident that everything that can be done is being done. We still have really hard times, of course. But knowing that we can come to Bluebell Wood and just relax and get some sleep while Dougie is being takencare of is crucial to us.

It’s not just about the respite care we receive, it’s the whole package. If Dougie’s poorly, just knowing that we can ring up and speak to someone who actually knows him, and who can give us advice, is brilliant. We know we can always pop in if we’re panicking, which is a huge relief. We also find it incredibly useful to be around families who are going through similar situations.

Dougie is such a happy boy. He enjoys cuddles, being outside, going on his swing and licking his giraffe Stanley. He always smiles when you stroke his head, and he’s recently started

It also means that Antony and I can get some rest and some sleep. Dougie now comes to Bluebell Wood every fortnight, and he stays for two days. It gives us time to ourselves as a family, without having to worry. Generally speaking, we tend to stay with Dougie. But sometimes we leave him and it’s comforting to know that he’s safe. It just means that we can go home and decorate, or go to work…the normal stuff that we don’t get time to do usually.

laughing when you wave his arms around. To us, there’s nothing more important than seeing our son laugh and feel happy. Bluebell Wood has definitely helped that happen. Dougie loves it here; it’s one of the few places where he knows where he’s going and where he feels relaxed. Without the hospice and its staff, we just couldn’t live the way we do now.

In terms of the future, we’re taking it one day at a time. We’re so happy and proud of Dougie for being a little fighter and achieving so much daily, but there is always sadness and a real fear of the unknown.

Open Day

20th Sept Open Day

To celebrate our seventh birthday, come and joinus at the hospice to see how your support makes a difference.

With craft stalls, rides, live entertainment and refreshments too, join us to mark seven years of carefor our families.

Tickets are £3 and include a drink and a slice of cake.

www.bluebellwood.org

10.30am-3pmWe’ve yet to get a diagnosis for Dougie, but we’re confident that everything that can be done is being done. We still have really hard times, of course. But knowing that we can come to Bluebell Wood and just relax and get some sleep while Dougie is being takencare of is crucial to us.

It’s not just about the respite care we receive, it’s the whole package. If Dougie’s poorly, just knowing that we can ring up and speak to someone who actually knows him, and who can give us advice, is brilliant. We know we can always pop in if we’re panicking, which is a huge relief. We also find it incredibly useful to be around families who are going through similar situations.

Dougie is such a happy boy. He enjoys cuddles, being outside, going on his swing and licking his giraffe Stanley. He always smiles when you stroke his head, and he’s recently started

Dedicate a coloured ribbon for someone specialto help us create a kaleidoscope of colours inour grounds.

Your Rainbow of Ribbonswill be on show at ourOpen Day in September.

By supporting our RainbowAppeal, you’ll help siblingslike Isla create magicalmemories with her brother.

To dedicate and donate,visit www.bluebellwood.org/ribbon

Rainbow of Ribbons

We’ve yet to get a diagnosis for Dougie, but we’re confident that everything that can be done is being done. We still have really hard times, of course. But knowing that we can come to Bluebell Wood and just relax and get some sleep while Dougie is being takencare of is crucial to us.

It’s not just about the respite care we receive, it’s the whole package. If Dougie’s poorly, just knowing that we can ring up and speak to someone who actually knows him, and who can give us advice, is brilliant. We know we can always pop in if we’re panicking, which is a huge relief. We also find it incredibly useful to be around families who are going through similar situations.

Dougie is such a happy boy. He enjoys cuddles, being outside, going on his swing and licking his giraffe Stanley. He always smiles when you stroke his head, and he’s recently started

Meet Gail, our Young Adult Co-ordinatorWe caught up with Gail to ask her about the important work she does in our hospice.

I support young adults and their families throughtransition, from children’s services to adult services. When young people are 18, they move from children’s hospitals to adult hospitals. This means changing consultants and a nursing team that they have grown familiar with while atthe same time leaving school, finding colleges and sometimeseven looking for their own accommodation. This can be a very difficult time for the whole family, and I support them with it all.

Being involved with the young adults at such a difficult time in their lives. They often feelvery alone and afraid of the future. My job is to be there for them, and to try to encouragethem to be independent and make the best decisions for themselves. Often, this is the hardest thing for them to do. Every time I step into the hospice and every time I go out to work in the community is a memorable experience. Every day is different but just as special as the last.

We are very often late back to the hospice with the young adult group, as we have such fun that time just flies! We do also have some tears. Young adults do not always want to tell their parents that they feel trapped in their bodies, and their fears about never being loved by another adult in an adult relationship. I’m there to help them talk about any issue they have in an open and honest way.

With your continued support we’ll be able to make sure Gail can help more of our children make the difficult transition from teenagers to adults.

Gail, what does your job involve?

What is the best part of your job?

Why is your job so important to the young adults?

Thank You

We’ve yet to get a diagnosis for Dougie, but we’re confident that everything that can be done is being done. We still have really hard times, of course. But knowing that we can come to Bluebell Wood and just relax and get some sleep while Dougie is being takencare of is crucial to us.

It’s not just about the respite care we receive, it’s the whole package. If Dougie’s poorly, just knowing that we can ring up and speak to someone who actually knows him, and who can give us advice, is brilliant. We know we can always pop in if we’re panicking, which is a huge relief. We also find it incredibly useful to be around families who are going through similar situations.

Dougie is such a happy boy. He enjoys cuddles, being outside, going on his swing and licking his giraffe Stanley. He always smiles when you stroke his head, and he’s recently started

Help us at work

We are launching our Business 365 club later this year. Whetheryou work for a multi-national company or a small local business, becoming a Bluebell Wood business parter offers your employer a

unique way to engage with customers and staff.

Find out more at www.bluebellwood.org

Support from local businesses makes a huge difference to us. There are lots of ways you can help us at your workplace. Why not?

Hold a bag it

up day with

colleagues

Take part inone of our

events

Adopt us as acharity of theyear

Donate your skills by

volunteering

Donate products orservices

Display our leaflets andposters

Sell ourmerchandise

Sign up topayrollgiving

One million reasons to donate

We now have ten shops across the region and are indesperate need of good quality second hand clothes.

Last year, your donations to our shops helped us raiseover one million pounds. This means we can always be there for local families- and for children like Evie-Mae.

Please help us beat last year’s

sales by donating anything you can

to one of our shops.

Find our shop locations at

www.bluebellwood.org

Summer, sorted.Slim your Summer wardrobeIf your wardrobe looks like this, why not have a clear out and donate all your unwanted clothes to us? Your cast offs could be someone else’s perfect fit. Give your clothes a new lease of lifein time for Summer and donate now.

If you’ve got six bags or more to donate, we’ll pick them up.

“Bluebell Wood have supported me through very hard times and have brought so much joy and strength to me, Jack and my family during our darkest days.”

Vicky, Jack’s mum

Jack started using Bluebell Wood before the hospice even opened. His Mum Vicky explains how much our support means to Jack and his family.

Jack was admitted onto the special care baby unit when he was born. His first couple of years were very hard with lots of hospital admissions, trauma, uncertainty and worry. He has an undiagnosed neurological disorder, and suffers frequent pneumonia and chest infections amongst other complex medical needs.

He cannot eat or drink, has a special milk direct to his stomach, and needs round the clock specialist care. Despite Jack’s medical needs, he is such a happy little boy. He loves bubbles, Mr Tumble, colours, sensory and soft play, aquariums, Scouts and school.

Saying goodbye to your child is incredibly traumatic, unnatural and something that no parent or family should ever have to do. I am extremely lucky as I still have my boy, but there have been many times throughout his life we have had to face this.

Bluebell Wood became part of our family instantly. They were amazing, were always there for us any time of the day and night, and still are. They helped me every step of the way and brought much joy and happiness into our lives. Jack has a very special bond with the hospice and even had a Bluebell Wood Christening.

If you ever wake in the middle of the night and you just want to simply have a chat or pop your head into Jack’s room then they are always there for you. They reassure you of any worries and you get an overwhelming feeling of safeness knowing your child is in their hands. Bluebell Wood have supported me through very hard times and have brought so much joy and strength to me, Jack and my family during our darkest days. Without them, life would be even harder.

Paul Wilde started fundraising for us in 2014 by running the Retford Half Marathon as part of a Greencore team. He caught the running bug and has since got three half marathons under his belt; an impressive total of nearly 40 miles.

Paul also lost seven stone during his training. He told us about his motivation.

“In 2014 I completed the half marathon in three hrs 29 minutes, and finished last. This was a great effort and positions on the day didn't mean anything, it was all about completing and raising as much money as possible.

My manager Ian, walked, ran and jogged the 13.1 miles with me and encouraged me, and having all the Greencore team at the finish line, with family and friends, made the day all the more special. The high I got from crossing the finish line was amazing.

Paul drops the pounds

What made you choose to support Bluebell Wood? It was taking part in the Greencore team for theRetford half marathon in 2014 that highlighted what a great job Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice does. After putting myself forward for the marathon with lots of other people from the office I looked into your charity and the good work you do. I have also been to the hospice on a volunteer day and had the charity explained in depth. You never quite appreciate what happens until you have been and seen it for yourself.

If Paul’s story has inspired you to get fit while raising money for us; or you’d like a really motivating way to drop the pounds this Summer, get in touch with our Fundraising team on 01909 517 365

interested in pursuing a career within the

Super SophieSuper SophieSophie Braithwait is 17 and

The thrill of knowing I’m helping the children and their families, and that we can make their time at Bluebell Wood as enjoyable as possible. I also love meeting new people when I am out representing Bluebell Wood.

.

Sophie Braithwait is 18 and has been volunteering for us for the last 18 months. She first got involved with us after seeing a tweet by our patron, Louis Tomlinson from One Direction.

Sophie, why did you choose to support us?

After Louis’ tweet, I looked what Bluebell Wood was about and

decided I would like to volunteer for you. At that point I was also

children’s hospice movement.

What do you get out of volunteering?

What’s the best bit about volunteering?

What would you say to other people thinking of volunteering?

If you’ve been inspired by Sophie and would like to find out how tovolunteer, call Sandra on 01909 517 360.

I love bucket collecting, especially at an event like the Colour Dash, but equally I really enjoy helping on a stall.

Definitely get involved, you will find you are not just helping others but you gain loads of experience and make new friendships.

Some facts about usDid you know?

We cover a large area which includes all of South Yorkshire,

North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of

North Lincolnshire.

We support the whole family on their life journey offering respite care, day care, community support,bereavement and end of life treatment and care.

Our highly specialist care team look after children and young people with a vast range of complex medical needs.

Almost all of our funding comes from donations from the

local community.

Each year it costs over £3 million to

keep the hospice open.

We are one of only 53 children’s hospices in the

country.

Family Fun Day

Dinnington Rugby Club, supported by

S25 2PB.

4th July

Lodge Lane,

Watch our It’s A Knockout event and laugh at the teamsas they compete in ridiculous costumes, and battle foam.

Browse the stalls and let the kids play on the fun fair while you enjoy a coffee and cake.

A fantastic family day out supporting your local children’s hospice.

From 10am

We’d like to say thank you to Khalil Qasem who is a student in the visuallyimpaired unit at Tapton School.

Khalil holds regular stalls at school selling our merchandise and raises awareness of the work we do. He has raised an impressive £500 so far this year.

A huge thank you to 365 Functional Fitness in Worksop. 16 of their clients completed half marathons on the rowing machine, between them rowing an astounding 208 miles...that’s the length of the River Thames.

The day was a huge success and raised over £1,900. Howard Hill, owner, said ‘It was another great effort, and fantastic to see people coming together to help raise much needed money for such a great local charity.”

Family Fun Day Fundraising fit

Thank You Khalil

If you’d like to sell our merchandise like Khalil, please give our friendly fundraising team a call on 01909 517 365.

If you’re a member of a gym and have been inspired by 365 Functional Fitness, get in touch on 01909 517 365 to find out how you can get fit and fundraise for us at the same time.

storeVisit ourIf you’re an avid collector of Marvel comics, love vintage sewing patterns or are Mario Lanza’s biggest fan, our Ebay store could be the perfect way for you to support the hospice while bagging thatelusive item to complete your collection.

Often, things donated to our shops are highly collectible, and we know that they’d find a happy buyer on Ebay. We’re lucky to have Sue Brown as our very own in-house Ebay expert. It’s her job to sift through the donations sent by the shops, and pick what Ebay bargain hunters are after. Her office very often looks like an episodeof the Antiques Roadshow!

We put our latest Ebay gems on the site every day, so keep checking back. You never know what you might find.

Our Ebay store can be found by searching for bluebell.wood in the advanced search option, under “seller”.

Wish you were here?While you’re counting down the days to your Summer holiday, many of the families we support will be spending their Summerbreak at the hospice. With practical difficulties to consider like medication, oxygen tanks, and the impossibility of getting wheelchairs onto sand, lots of the families we help see a stay with us as their holiday.

Our Sibling Co-Ordinator, Laura, also takes the brothers and sisters of our children on lots of fun day trips out. One of the families she supports are the Hawkes; Bailey, Charley and Jordan. Their sister Jamie-Lea visits us for respite care.

Twins Jamie-Lea and Jordan

“The Hawkes family have had a tough time recently as their granddad died of cancer in 2014. They are a very close family and this came as a great shock to everyone. Dad Shaun has also recently started treatment for cancer.

Throughout all of this, Jamie-Lea has been waiting to have open heart surgery and this means that Mum Sarah will be at Leeds hospital with her during this time.

Laura explains

If you would like to show your support by making a donation to help families like the Hawkes enjoy a day trip or Summerstay at the hospice please use the form overleaf or donateonline at www.bluebellwood.org

It also gave Sarah and Shaun some time to either rest or do some jobs knowing that everyone was having a great time. When the kids got home, Sarah said

”it was great to see them smile again”

“My job is to make sure siblings have the chance to relax, be children and talk about anything they find hard. I recently went to Diggerland with Bailey, Charley and Jordan. This is a great example of how we help families. The trip gave the children a chance to have some fun whilst knowing they can talk about any issues they may be having.

Please return this form to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice,Cramfit Rd, North Anston, Sheffield, S25 4AJ.

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