When Julie speaks about her daughters, Francesca and Josephine, her love feels ever‑present. As she shared with us,
“I don’t ever say that I loved them. I always say that I love them because that has not changed at all.”
Francesca and Josephine’s story reflects the strength of their family and the lasting impact of the care they received from Jessie May. That connection continues today through the Francesca Fund – a simple, meaningful way for Julie and Chris to keep Francesca’s name close while supporting the charity that stood alongside them when they needed it most. Josephine also has a fund in her name, with another charity that played a vital role in their lives, ensuring both girls are remembered in ways that honour the care and support they received.
Josephine on the left, Francesca on the right
Francesca and Josephine were diagnosed with Sanfilippo disease/MPS IIIA at just three and a half years old – “a bewildering time for all,” as Julie describes. In the early years, the girls were “very active and cheeky,” and Jessie May nurses visited their home to play, sing, read stories and help at teatime.
As their condition progressed, the girls then lost all of their physical skills and mental capacity, requiring round‑the‑clock care. Jessie May nurses adapted to every change, offering continuity, compassion and specialist support.
“The girls felt secure with the Jessie May nurses who came in.” Julie said. “There was continuity of care and they were able to make relationships with those people in their own way.”
Francesca died at home aged 15, and Josephine at 18. Jessie May nurses were there at the most difficult moments, supporting the family through bereavement and continuing to visit Josephine after her twin sister’s death. Three years later, Josephine died at Children’s Hospice South West, Little Bridge House.
Since then, Jessie May has continued to support Julie and Chris through bereavement. Julie went on to become a trustee for the charity, and later an ambassador, staying closely connected to the organisation that cared for her family for so many years. She also founded the Purple Group – a peer‑support group for bereaved parents.
The Francesca Fund
Francesca
The idea for the Francesca Fund began immediately after Francesca died.
The combined years of trust, invaluable care and support from Jessie May shaped the decision to create a fund in Francesca’s name.
“It was important to us that the Fund was in Francesca’s name so that we could give gifts to her, and support Jessie May. We wanted her to be remembered” Julie said.
The first donation came from Francesca’s funeral collection. Over time, the fund grew through birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, contributions from friends, and even weekly “pocket money” from Julie’s mum.
“It feels like giving a gift. We can’t give gifts because the girls have died, but actually it feels like something important. We’re giving to a charity that helped us immeasurably, but we’re also reawakening that memory of Francesca, not only for ourselves and our family, but for the people at Jessie May, and that just seemed really important to us.”
Julie describes the fund as a way of keeping her daughters’ presence alive within Jessie May:
“Even people who work at Jessie May these days who didn’t know Fran can look back at records, see a photograph, and be reminded that she died 19 years ago – that’s a long time. Having something attached to your child’s name means it continues to be just as important as it was at the beginning. Other people are going to be speaking her name. Other people are going to be thinking about her again, whilst also knowing that it is essentially helping other families.”
What In Memory Giving Means to Julie and Chris
For Julie and Chris, donating each year is woven into the rhythm of their daughters’ birthdays and anniversaries.
“Anniversaries are difficult days and this gives us something positive to focus on. There is a task to be done – this is when we support our charities and this is when we’re giving a gift to the girls, but also from them.”
She believes the fund has helped others too:
“When other people have given gifts or donations, they have also been able to give to Francesca’s fund so that means something to them. It makes it more real what they’re actually supporting.”
Julie’s words capture the heart of ‘In Memory giving’:
“It keeps that name and that memory alive. It’s a very simple principle.”
It’s a small idea with a powerful effect, offering a way for Francesca and Josephine to remain part of something that continues to help others.
“We want Jessie May to thrive so that children and families can be as we were – supported and looked after, with the nursing skills and the wider support that holds the whole family. It’s incredibly life‑changing.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Julie remains closely connected to Jessie May – her involvement is rooted in gratitude:
“We could never pay back what we received, but giving in the girls’ names makes it more meaningful. It’s a lovely thing to do.”
Her daughters’ legacy continues through every donation made in their name, every family supported, and every moment of care delivered by Jessie May nurses.
“We’re thankful for Francesca and Josephine always, they changed the course of our lives. Everything we do is, in some way, shaped by thinking about them. We are also thankful for the Jessie May Nurses who helped us make the most of the the life we had with our gorgeous girls.”
Francesca, Julie, Chris, Josephine (from left to right)
If you’d like to know more about In Memory giving at Jessie May, there are simple, meaningful ways to honour someone special while supporting the families we care for. Many people choose to make a donation in a loved one’s name, or create an online tribute page through MuchLoved, our trusted in‑memory partner.
MuchLoved offers a personal space to share photos, stories and messages, light virtual candles, and collect donations for Jessie May. Tribute pages can be kept for as long as you choose, giving you a gentle way to remember someone while helping other families receive the support they need.
You can find out more here.
