On Saturday 7th February, we held a sibling‑only event at Mendip Activity Centre. For two hours, the tobogganing track belonged entirely to them – young people who often carry far more than their fair share of responsibility, worry, and emotional weight.
With two back‑to‑back private sessions, siblings aged four and above took to the slope – some racing straight to the top, others taking a little encouragement from a parent or one of our nurses. The atmosphere was relaxed, supportive, and full of energy. After the sessions, families gathered for drinks, cake, and the kind of easy conversation that happens when everyone instinctively understands each other’s world.
Iain, our Marketing and Communications Officer, attended the event and said, “As soon as I arrived, you could hear the children laughing and cheering. They were absolutely loving it.”
Why sibling support is essential…
Growing up with a brother or sister who has complex medical needs shapes childhood in ways that are often invisible to the outside world. Plans change at the last minute. Parents’ attention is pulled in multiple directions. Hospital appointments, equipment, and care routines become part of daily life. And while siblings adapt with remarkable resilience, they also need space – space to play, to connect, to feel understood, and to simply be children.
That’s exactly what this event set out to offer.
For many siblings, the highlight wasn’t just the activity – it was the chance to spend time with others who “just get it.”
Kelly, mum to 10‑year‑old Freddie, captured this beautifully:
“Freddie went with his dad and what’s lovely about it is I said, ‘It’s for you, Freddie.’ When we go to the Jessie May events, Freddie has friends who are siblings of other children there – some are 16, some are 3 – and they all hang out. Freddie’s 10 and they’re the best of mates. They just go to each other and play together. Even with the age gap, it doesn’t matter. Freddie doesn’t have to explain himself. He hasn’t got to say anything about his sister. They might have a conversation, then they move on and play. They’re not bothered. It’s just lovely to see them hang out.”
She went on to say:
“They’ve all got sick brothers and sisters. It’s a tough situation for them, but in that moment they just seek each other out and play. They don’t have to worry or make excuses if something’s going on at home. That’s normal for all of them. Those friendships are so different to his other friendships, because his other friends, lovely as they are, just don’t get it.”
Her words reflect what so many families tell us: sibling friendships formed through Jessie May are unique, grounding, and deeply valued.
Events like this are about more than fun – though there was plenty of that. They’re about giving siblings a sense of belonging. About recognising their experiences, their emotions, and their need for joy and connection. About giving them a day that is truly, unapologetically, for them.
We’re incredibly grateful to Mendip Activity Centre for hosting us, to our nurses, Alice and Team around the Family for creating such a welcoming environment, and to every family who joined us and made the day so memorable.
