Meet Charlie…

Charlie was just three days old when he had a seizure and suffered another six months later. Soon after he was diagnosed with ventriculomegaly – enlargement of the ventricles of the brain – as well as epilepsy.

Now aged nine, Charlie has no capacity, is non verbal and registered blind and relies on care 24/7. The youngster and his family have been using Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services – formerly the Donna Louise – for eight years.

Mum Liz who gave up work to look after Charlie, said: “To me, Charlie is no different. He is very cheeky and loves to laugh and have a sing with you. He’s an amazing, wonderful little boy who has taught me so much and made me the mother I am today.

“It wasn’t until I went to his school to see him in a nativity play and I saw the environment he was in, I realised how disabled he actually was.

“At the time, I was a single mum, with other children, and I just didn’t trust anyone else to look after him.

“I thought I could do it all myself and cope by myself, so when Charlie was referred to Dougie Mac Children’s Services, I was reluctant to accept the help at first as I was apprehensive about going there. I thought it would be a miserable place full of poorly children.

“However, we had a couple of play dates and I stayed for dinner while Charlie spent time with the play workers. From there, we began to have the odd sleepover which my other children loved as they could have fun while Charlie was being cared for.

“Knowing Charlie was being looked after enabled us to spend time together and I learned to accept the help and support I was being offered.

“I now have four children and three stepchildren. All of Charlie’s siblings have been able to enjoy the facilities at the Children’s Services – such as the groups and the fun days – and have enjoyed sleepovers. We were even able to spend the day at Drayton Manor relaxing together as a family knowing Charlie was being looked after and was safe and happy at the hospice.

“Now, I see Children’s Services as a lifeline to my family. It’s an amazing place with amazing people and amazing care. The staff are like a second family to my family and I don’t know where we would be without them.”