Bray family fronts Alexander Devine Christmas Gift of Family appeal

A Christmas Gift of Family appeal aiming to support more than 165 families has been launched by a hospice helping youngsters with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

The appeal by the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service looks to raise £15,000 to help more than 165 families supported by the hospice to enjoy family time and make memories while they can.

The initiative is being fronted by Pippa Wilkinson, 10, from Bray and her family - mum Danielle, dad Alan and brother Elliot, 13.

Pippa was born with multiple complex conditions including Down’s Syndrome, chronic lung disease, and a severe form of epilepsy which creates life-threatening seizures on a daily basis.

Pippa has global development delay, is non-verbal, needs to be fed through a peg in her stomach and cannot independently support her own body weight.

She can never be left on her own as she could stop breathing at any moment and needs round the clock care.

Alexander Devine helps the family to provide this essential round the clock care, whether Pippa is staying at the hospice overnight for regular respite or symptom management or attending for day care or the holistic therapies provided by the hospice.

These include hydrotherapy, music therapy, physio or play therapy.

If Pippa is unable to attend the hospice, the hospice will come to her through hospice at home.

Alexander Devine also provides sibling support for Pippa’s brother Elliot as well as her mum and dad Danielle and Alan through respite, counselling and care that meets all of Pippa’s complex needs.

The charity gives the family a chance to be together at hospice events, creating family memories.

Danielle said: “We often have to do family things in two halves. One parent with Pippa and one with Elliot.

“I can’t go and watch Elliot play football because we can’t get Pippa’s chair across the field and the dampness would affect her chest and lead to another hospital stay.

“We can’t go to Christmas experiences together like meeting Santa as they aren’t accessible or safe for Pippa. 

“But fortunately, we have the Alexander Devine team. 

“Looking back, I wonder how we would have got through without them.

“The respite care they provide gives us a chance to recharge our batteries.

“Elliot enjoys the sibling activities and spending time with other children who understand what family life is like for him.”

The hospice, based in Snowball Hill in Maidenhead relies on donations, fundraising and people leaving gifts in their Wills to fund its service.

Through its appeal, the hospice is asking for donations to help support families to make memories while they are able to.

Danielle added: “We can’t wait for the Christmas party at the hospice this year and making more precious family memories.

“It gives Pippa and Elliot the chance to experience the things other children do. Alexander Devine is a safe environment.

“Coming to the hospice feels like someone has their arms around us, its brilliant how they provide that hug.”

A screening of the appeal was held at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice on Tuesday, November 14, with some of the charity’s trustees, patrons and supporters, and the Wilkinson family in attendance at the event.

Elliot has recently won the Young Hero Award at the Maidenhead and Windsor Business and Community Awards for his efforts in fundraising for charities including Alexander Devine.

He said: “I think it’s one of the best things people can do with their money, helping children like my sister Pippa who will have a shorter life than most, to have fun this Christmas with her family.”

To watch the Alexander Devine Christmas Gift of Family appeal and to donate, visit: www.alexanderdevine.org/christmas