In the early years Francesca and Josephine were very active and cheeky. Jessie May nurses visited our home to play, sing, read stories and provide teatime help. As the girls’ health deteriorated, the highly skilled Jessie May nurses adapted to the increasing needs of our family.
The continuity of care, kindness and compassion offered by Jessie May meant that Francesca and Josephine always enjoyed their visits. Over time, Chris (the girls’ Father) and I came to trust the Jessie May nurses wholeheartedly. We knew that they would give the highest standard of care, enabling us both to leave the girls and be out of the house at the same time.
Jessie May nurses came to give Francesca very tender care following her death, which really helped us to process what had happened. This was carried out with such dignity, love and sensitivity. They also supported us around the time of her funeral and afterwards with ongoing visits for Josephine who had lost her twin sister.
Francesca and Josephine were our only children. When Josephine died we were totally devastated and lost. Our busy home was suddenly very silent and empty. I had no sense of self or purpose and no idea how to move forward. I wanted to meet with other bereaved parents and turned to Jessie May for a solution. Volunteering alongside the bereavement team, I helped to set up a bereavement support group for parents; the Purple Group, which is now an established part of the service.
Grief following the death of a child is life- long. Chris and I don’t want to forget our children but we have had to learn to live without them and Jessie May have been a source of strength for us both through this time.
Chris and I view Jessie May as an extension of our family. We appreciate everything they did for us while Francesca and Josephine were alive, and following their deaths.
Jessie May nurses make a positive difference to the lives of the children and families they care for. They are highly trained and skilled, working 1:1 in a child’s home. This requires confidence and resilience but also the support of the wider team and organisation. The charity places the child and family at the centre of care and decision making, and family involvement is valued and encouraged.
Children’s Palliative Care is very expensive to provide, so generous and ongoing funding is vital. I urge you to continue to support Jessie May in any way you can, and to spread awareness and tell others about the charity’s great work.
