We are pleased to announce that Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson has joined Jessie May as an ambassador. Laura has won many international dressage competitions, including team gold and individual bronze at the London 2012 Olympics.
Jessie May is a hospice at home service for children with life limiting conditions in the south west of England. Jessie May nurses help to provide essential support for families from the point of their child’s diagnosis, for respite, for end-of-life care for their child, and offer 5 years of bereavement support. The Jessie May Trust was established by parents Chris and Phillipa Purrington following the death of their baby daughter, Jessie May, in September 1994. Jessica died when she was only four and a half months old, and she was cared for by her family, in her own home, throughout her illness. The Purringtons knew that they wanted other children, like Jessica, and their families, to have the option of receiving treatment at home, and to have the choice to die at home when the time comes.
Over the last 25 years, Jessie May has helped support families in final and important moments, offering emotional support and specialist nursing care. It is a charity started by a family, for families, and is now shaped by families. Jessie May bases all their treatment and care on the principle that a parent always knows what is best for their child, so their work always aims to support and uplift these relationships. Laura heard about the work that Jessie May carries out, and as a mother of four young children herself, wanted to help raise awareness for the charity that helps so many young children and their families.
Jessie May has been a lifeline for so many, and as a fellow parent, Laura knew she needed to use her voice to raise awareness of something so close to her heart.
“I am so delighted to be an ambassador for Jessie May and to support the incredibly important work they do. The support they provide to children and their families through such difficult times is invaluable. I hope that with this partnership, I can help widen Jessie May’s audience so that more people can see and support their wonderful work.”