Family stories
Neve’s story
We began caring for Neve and her family in October 2020 after she was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. She was referred to Helen House for palliative care to help with her symptoms, and then for more support once it was apparent that her treatment was not working. Neve continued to visit Helen & Douglas House until her death, at home, in April 2023. Read more
Lily-Mae’s story
Lily-Mae, from Witney, was born in 2013. At two years old she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, which caused regular seizures and other complications Read more
Pippa’s story
Pippa, from Maidenhead, was born in 2013. She was born with Down’s syndrome and, as she got older, developed other conditions that cause seizures and further complications. Read more
Aliza-May’s story
Aliza-May was born in June 2017 with a rare syndrome called Edwards. For the first week of her life Aliza-May’s Mum Emma-May and Dad Ross lived in the special care baby unit where every test under the sun was done. Read more
Max’s story
Max, from Swindon, has been coming to Helen & Douglas House since 2014. Max was born in 2007 and has mitochondrial disorder, a condition which means he requires 24-hour care and support. Read more
Ollie’s and Ben’s story
Mike tells us about being a dad to twin boys, Ben and Ollie. Both boys were born with a life-shortening condition Read more
Toby’s story
Toby lives at home in Buckinghamshire with his mummy and daddy, Kim and Tim. He has a complex neurological condition called Dravet ... Read more
Imogen’s story
Imogen died at Helen & Douglas House on 23rd January 2017, aged just 2 years old, after bravely battling a brain tumour and never failing to smile as she endured chemotherapy, only for the cancer to return. Read more
Martha’s story
Sophie and Ed’s first baby, Martha, was born in a critical condition and she passed away in Sophie’s arms at 5-days-old on 26 May 2015. Read more
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We need to raise £3 million each year to care for local terminally ill children at the hospice and at home.