Pippa
“Alexander Devine support is invaluable. They are there through all sorts of different issues, whether it be emotional support or medical advice, and that’s not just for Pippa but for all of us. It’s brilliant how they provide this hug.”
Danielle, Pippa’s mum
Danielle and Alan Wilkinson’s daughter Pippa has been supported by the charity since the hospice first opened its doors in Maidenhead in 2018.
Pippa has a number of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and her parents describe the support they get from Alexander Devine as like ‘a hug’.
Pippa has severe epilepsy and feeding difficulties and requires round-the-clock care, with her parents needing to stay alert in case of emergency medication or oxygen at any time.
Alexander Devine supports the family by providing respite for Pippa at home and in the hospice, as well as symptom management for Pippa’s complex health needs. We also offer hydrotherapy in our pool and provide Pippa’s older brother Elliot, 12, with sibling support, spending time with other children his age in similar situations.
Danielle’s mum shared what it means to their family to have the support of Alexander Devine:
“Alexander Devine’s support is invaluable. They are there through all sorts of different issues, whether it be emotional support or medical advice, and that’s not just for Pippa but also for Elliot.
“It’s brilliant how they provide this hug. They are just there all the time and the hospice does not feel like a sad place, it is not full of mourning. All the time we spend there is full of happy memories.”
The facilities at our hospice enable the family to do things together they would not normally be able to do.
“We always have a lot of fun and laughter but we know Alexander Devine is there for all the other things as well; lots of expert medical advice when things have been difficult for us and changes in Pippa’s condition. They are there to explain and put it into first person language.”
The opening of the hospice in June 2018 has enabled families in the Maidenhead area to access specialist support much closer to home, which Danielle described as ‘life-changing’.
“The nearest hospice previously was about an hour away and their catchment area was quite large so there was a huge need in Berkshire. It is kind of life-changing. As a family with a child with complex needs, we have had to learn a new normal and how to manage things day-to-day. Without Alexander Devine it could become impossible for families to deal with. Their support means we can start to live a life.”
Danielle said that she has noticed changes in both her children’s behaviour since they started attending the hospice.
“Pippa really does enjoy her days at the hospice and all the nurses and carers, they just have this warmth about them. Pippa is non-verbal so it is a case of things you would do when connecting with a baby and she can feel that and I can see how happy she is. You can see in her face and behaviour how relaxed she feels there.”
Elliot benefits from sibling groups at the hospice, which includes interactive days for brothers and sisters, while there are also opportunities for the supported child and their siblings to enjoy activities together.
“I want to thank Alexander Devine from the bottom of our hearts for everything they have done for us and all the other families at the hospice.”
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Help us continue to be there for families like Pippa’s. By making a donation today, large or small, you will be providing specialist care and vital support for families who care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
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Need our help?
The word hospice should not seem scary and getting support from us doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent. Helping to enrich the lives of the children and their families is at the heart of our service, our end of life and bereavement support is just a part of what we do.
Our children’s hospice service covers the whole of Berkshire and into surrounding counties. If you think your child may be eligible for our services, please do get in touch.
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Remember our very special Christmas gift from Volvo? 🚗🎁
It’s a gift that really has been making a huge difference to us at Alexander Devine, especially in helping us provide additional support for families like Huzaifah's.
Huzaifah, who is not yet two years old, up until earlier this year had spent just 7 weeks of his life out of hospital. Our team have been supporting the family in trying to keep him safe at home as much as possible, and now we can also help the family with taking him to his hospital appointments for vital treatment.
Using the car meant our Alexander's Nurses and Carers could safely transport Huzaifah along with his wheelchair, additional oxygen cylinders, suction machine and the extra team members we need to keep him safe during the journey.
Thank you Volvo for helping us make even more of a difference to children and families that we support.
Volvo Car UK
…and relax!
With its mesmerising lights and rainbow of colours, our sensory room is a wonderfully calm environment for the babies, children and young people that we support to explore.
After a busy morning splashing in the pool, getting messy in the creative zone or playing outside in the gardens, it’s the perfect place to unwind (for Alexander’s Nurses and Carers too!)
#LifeAtOurHospice #ChildrensHospiceCare #SensoryPlay #MagicalMoments
Glitz, glamour, delicious food, fabulous entertainment, music and dancing – all wrapped up into one sparkling evening!
For this year's Heaven Sent Ball on Friday 12th May, we are heading to the stunning De Vere Wokefield Estate, near Reading.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit: alexanderdevine.org/heavensentball
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