On Sunday 11th May, we marked what would have been Jessie May’s 31st birthday with something really special – Jessie May Day, a wonderful day where families we support came together to make memories, spend time with each other, and just be.
Now in its second year, Jessie May Day is fast becoming a much-loved tradition. Created as a summertime complement to our Christmas party, the event offers an outdoor space for families to connect, play, and recharge – all while honouring the little girl who inspired everything we do.
Events like Jessie May Day are important because they offer the families we support, a rare chance to step away from the routine of care and hospital visits and simply enjoy being together in a safe, inclusive environment where everyone understands, and the children can simply be children.
This year, the day was packed with magical moments:
🎩 A magician and bubble performer bought the wow factor.
🎨 Face painting – a special thank you to Pear Tree Recruitment!
🧀 A treasure hunt gave the children and their siblings a chance to explore together.
📸 Professional portraits gave families beautiful keepsakes to take home – a big thank you to Julian Burr for giving his time!
🐐 And of course, the goats stole the show. Our therapy goats were a huge hit, providing comfort, laughter, and a lot of cuddles.
🎵 There was live music thanks to our wonderful friends at Bristol Beacon, who arranged calming performances of guitar and violin
🍦 Ice creams – donated generously by Marshfield Mobile Ice Cream
One of the most touching parts of the day came from the feedback we received:
“Thank you so much for an incredible day – special, memorable, and filled with joy and love. We absolutely loved the therapy goats, and the amazing pictures taken by the photographer captured every moment of joy and happiness. Thank you again!”
“Our favourite moment was sitting with the goats and listening to music.”
“The whole day was calm and relaxing – perfect for our family.”
“Having a family photo was so lovely – we’ll always treasure it.”
And that’s what Jessie May Day is all about: creating moments that matter. These are the memories families carry with them.
For Alice, our Family Engagement Officer, who dreamed up the event and brought it to life, Jessie May Day holds a special place in her heart:
“I know my role is a very visual one – I get to be involved in a lot of the fun stuff that people see on the outside. But it really struck me how much of a team effort everything at Jessie May truly is. We all play our part, and none of it works without the rest – events like this are a reflection of that.
The nurses get to know our families so well. I don’t always get that chance – but on Jessie May Day, I do. It’s those little moments you witness between parents, children and siblings that really stay with you. This day is about making space for joy, whatever that looks like.
A massive thank you to the team that joined me. The day literally wouldn’t work without you! And I do have to agree, the goats stole the show!”
Well done Alice ♥ A big thank you to everyone who got involved – and of course, to the wonderful families who made the day so special. We can’t wait to do it all again next year. 💜