Family stories

Aidan was born with a rare condition called cystic hygroma. His condition requires daily medical management and affects his breathing, eating and speech.

Shortly after twin boys, Keanu and Bodhi were born,  joy quickly turned to devastation when Keanu fell ill with meningitis, leading to severe swelling in his brain. His family have had to come to terms with his illness and life-long care needs.

Frankè’s mum lives with the heart-breaking uncertainty of not knowing how long she will have with her son. But with support from Alexander Devine, she is determined to do all she can to fill Frankè’s life with joy and make precious memories together. 

The Ali family never imagined they would need a children’s hospice service like Alexander Devine but in April 2021, doctors diagnosed their sons with a rare and deadly genetic condition.

Aaron described himself as “smart and creative” and always striving “to achieve a positive attitude towards life”. At the age of two he was diagnosed with a rare muscular dystrophy, which causes him to have significant muscle weakness. 

Habibah is a wonderful young lady who always fills our hospice with delicious baking smells and laughter as her two favourite things to do during her visits to the hospice is baking and pranking our Alexander’s Nurses! 

Kia’s mum, Rachel, explains how invaluable Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service has been in caring for Kia and supporting the family.

Shortly after Barnaby was born in January 2008, Barnaby’s parents were given the devastating news that the healthy baby they expected had a severe and rare brain disorder called Lissencephaly. This is his story.

Jessica’s parents were told by doctors that she might not live past her toddler years and so they devoted themselves to providing her with the highest quality of life and making sure Jessica had the chance to live her life to the full.

Harry is a happy little boy who loves to read books, zoom around in his wizzybug car and play with his sisters. But his mum Jenny shares how his life is very different to other children his age. 

Steve, Edith’s dad, shares the vital support their family have received from Alexander Devine since Edith’s diagnosis with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.