At Brian House, Roman gets to be himself
Roman is nearly 11. He is cheeky, compassionate and gentle, with a brilliant sense of humour.
He loves Hot Wheels and jigsaws. When he’s out with his family, he likes counting cars and traffic lights. But most of all, he loves making up stories with his family.
Roman has also been living with a complex, life-limiting health condition since he was born which affects his heart and has left him with learning difficulties. It means his family has always known that their time together is precious. They are living with enormous uncertainty but their focus is all about making the most of the time they have together.
Roman’s mum, Kelly, says: “People say they admire us for how we are coping with Roman’s illness and what lies ahead of us. But parents like us, Brian House parents, we just get on with it.
“We are aware of how Roman’s story is going to end. We’ve known from the very beginning. Yet I feel like we are still unprepared.
“We are so lucky as a family to have this time with Roman; not everyone gets this time. But I wouldn’t wish this life on anyone.”
For the past 10 years, Brian House has been part of their family’s life. And for Roman, it is somewhere very special.
“Brian House is his most favourite place in the world,” Kelly adds.
“At Brian House, Roman gets to be Roman.
“He can play and make his own choices. He can go to the park, enjoy crafts and spend time with other children his age who understand what it is like to need a little more care.
“In those moments, Roman is no different to anyone else.”
For Roman’s family, knowing that Roman is cared for by people who understand his needs gives them something incredibly valuable too: time. Thanks to Brian House, Kelly and her husband Steven have up to three days where they can focus on their other children, safe in the knowledge that Roman is in expert hands.
Kelly says: “I’ve never been able to leave Roman in a play group or ask someone else to watch him who wouldn’t know what to do in an emergency.
“Brian House gives us the time to catch our breath and spend time together, knowing that Roman is safe.”
By supporting Brian House, you can help make sure local children like Roman and their families have somewhere they can turn, through the difficult days and the happy ones, and somewhere children can simply be themselves.
