Brian House Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and respite for children with life-limiting illness in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. By taking part in the Santa Dash you are helping us to continue to provide this much needed care.
You'll be helping to support young people like Tom.
Tom has seen the impact of every single Santa Dash for Brian House. He has even taken part before and hopes to be there this year!
Tom started coming to us when he was just four years old, and this year, after he turned 20, it was time for him to move on.
Tom has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and dystonia – a movement disorder which has left him with no mobility. It affects everything; his breathing, swallowing and his digestive system. He is also profoundly deaf. But Tom’s understanding has not been affected at all, and he was the first child to use our eye gaze technology, allowing him to communicate with his loved ones using just his eyes.
Tom’s mum, Jackie, said: “Tom needs 24-hour care. He always has. And his needs have increased as he’s got older and bigger; as his dystonia affects him more and more. When he was young he didn’t need as much overnight care, but now he needs to be watched constantly.
“Brian House has always been there to give me time with Tom’s siblings and a bit of a breather. But it’s also a change of environment for Tom. He’s got to know all the staff over the years, and was absolutely full of smiles each time I told him, through Makaton, that he would be going to Brian House. He would be so excited.”
Tom was born a healthy baby, but developed jaundice. Unfortunately, the jaundice took hold in the centre of his brain.
But Tom doesn’t complain or show any frustration.
Jackie said: “We’re very lucky to have Tom. It’s a testament to his care teams, both at home and at Brian House, and their support and advice that he is here.
“Brian House has been a huge part of our lives. It’s been absolutely invaluable to us and the staff there are life-saving – that’s the only way I can describe them.”
By raising sponsorship or making a one off donation, you'll help us to continue this vital care and support to families across the Fylde coast.
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