Kitty’s story: We can bring a smile and laughter

Children’s hospices provide vital support for children and young people with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, helping them and their families make the most of their lives together, no matter how short. Everything children’s hospices do is #ForTheChildren, so to celebrate Children’s Hospice Week we want to share Kitty’s story, a play coordinator at Haven House children’s hospice.

Like anyone who works in the children’s palliative care sector, Kitty provide a lifeline for the children she helps, and she believes that play is important for every child, and this essential part of childhood shouldn’t be limited because a child is seriously ill. Kitty shares a special connection with the children because she was under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital during her childhood having been born with a multitude of health problems. Kitty is moderately deaf and has other disabilities. Despite her health challenges, her focus continues to be the children and she gives them the best possible life by continually building on personal and nurturing experiences.

Kitty explains, “My job is very creative. Every day there is something different going on – from sensory adventure stories, crazy foam messy play, games, creative arts and crafts and so much more. I have a special connection with the children as I have been in a similar position to them. I can relate to what they are going through.”

“One of my fondest memories at Haven House was playing football in the beautiful grounds with one of our oncology children. At the end he gave me a big high five and was smiling. To know I’d made such a positive impact is amazing.

“We can’t make the diagnosis go away, and we can’t provide a cure. But we can bring a smile and laughter through some of the toughest times children and their families will ever face. Every child is different, and no two play sessions are ever the same. I get to look after each child on a one-to-one basis which feels special.”

that they can provide fun creative play and art activities, both at the hospice and in family homes, to help them discover the world around them.

Thanks to dedicated staff like Kitty, Children’s hospices like Haven House provide vital support for children and young people with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, giving them the opportunities for creative fun to help discover the world around them. Please show your support #ForTheChildren this #ChildrensHospiceWeek by sharing this story or supporting our work