Finley had been coming to the hospice for over a decade when he died in 2023. From their first visit, through Finley’s death and in the years since, the staff at the hospice have provided dedicated care built around the whole family. And of course, Finley's teddy, Snuggles, was never far away!
Time at the hospice
From Finley's first visit, the team built up support that was designed especially with Finley and his family in mind. They made sure he could play with Lego, they ensured his mum Michaela could have the rest and relaxation she needed away from being a mum and a carer, and they gave support to his sibling Lucie in Siblings Club - a club for siblings to go out on day trips and get the experience of being a kid again away from the worries at home or looking out for brother, Finley. The family have had so many experiences over the years with the hospice; from animal meet and greets, to parties, day trips and boat trips, and even meeting the queen and patron of Helen & Douglas House at Clarence House for a special Christmas lunch.
The hospice was very much a 'home from home' for Finley and his family. While Finley was downstairs in the hospice free to do exactly what he wanted from building his Lego to getting messy in the arts and crafts room with plenty of glitter, his mum Michaela could enjoy some peace and quiet and a nice long hot bath upstairs in one of the family flats. She couldn't do that at home as she was always on high alert in case something happened to Finley, but at the hospice she could take her time knowing that Finley was having fun and being looked after by the care team downstairs. And when it came to meal times, there was always a homecooked meal waiting for them to enjoy together.
"We had so many experiences at Helen & Douglas House that we couldn’t have had anywhere else. I mean, how often do you get to meet the then future Queen of England? Nothing was ever too much trouble. The hospice cared for the family every step of the way thanks to supporters like you."
Finley's mum, Michaela
Christmases at the hospice
Mum Michaela remembers Finley's Christmases at the hospice fondly. She says
"I’ll always remember the years of Christmas pantomimes, Santa visits, reindeer, glitter and crafting at Helen & Douglas House. I’ve got a photo of Finley sitting in between Father Christmas and an elf, looking just like a pea in his green outfit."
Sibling Support
Finley's sibling Lucie also loved coming to stay at the hospice and they shared a lot of play times together with Lego and crafting. As well as spending time with mum and Finley at the hospice, Lucie also went to Siblings Club - a special club for siblings at Helen & Douglas House where they can enjoy activities and days out with their peers and people who understand what it's like to have a sibling with a life-limiting condition.
It was this understanding that helps Lucie even today after the loss of Finley. Having friends and people who care and empathise with what Lucie has been through means a lot.
Bereavement Support
When it was time for Michaela and Justin to say goodbye to Finley, the nurses gave them space to be with him. They then came and hugged Michaela and Justin, explaining what would happen next and how they’d care for Finley after his death. There was so much love, support and attention.
After Finley died, he was moved to a special room they call the Little Room where Michaela, Justin and Lucie could visit, sit and talk to him. They laid his teddy, Snuggles, next to him so they could be together like they had always been.
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We want to be here to support more families like Finley's now and for many years to come. Whether it's a family experiencing a child's first Christmas, their last, or every precious one in between, no one should face it alone.