The following is a note from Donna, my sister-in-law and Noah's mummy:
Wessex Heartbeat-
http://www.heartbeat.co.uk/wessex-heartbeat-house
This fantastic charity, among other things are responsible for the wonder that is Heartbeat House. This is a house just across the road from the hospital where relatives are able to stay when they have somebody on the ward, and there is a part of the house specifically dedicated to the families on Ocean Ward called Ronald McDonald House. This was a haven for us as the hospital is a 100 mile round trip from home, (although many travel even further) and meant while I stayed up on the ward with Noah, Sean was able to stay nearby too, and we could have our daughter Faith with us so she still got to spend time with both of us and not be back home looked after by somebody and frightened not knowing what was happening to her brother. The facilities at the house are fantastic, you have your own room with shared bathrooms, a well equipped communal kitchen with your own cupboard and fridge space as well as communal lounge and garden. It provides a brief break from the intensity of the ward, and made an extremely stressful time easier to bear as we were all still able to be together. The house and all the running costs are entirely funded by the charity, and without fundraising and donations this wonderful house would not be able to remain open which is why when Katrina first mentioned the idea we were keen for some of the money to go here, as we are incredibly grateful for the house to have been there, and will no doubt need it again in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment