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Earlier this month mum Jenny told you about her son Nathan and about the care and support he needs from the hospice. To give something special back to Jenny and Nathan we arranged a Zoom with long-time supporter and celebrity Rob Brydon. As it was also Mother’s Day, Rob and Nathan also created a secret surprise for his mum Jenny!

Nathan was born in 2011 and was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome shortly after birth. Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems and means that Nathan needs care 24/7. At around a year old, his mum Jenny was struggling as his sole carer, as well as looking after her three other children. This was when they were referred to the hospice. Since then, Nathan has been coming for regular respite visits and received care from the hospice and we have helped to support his whole family. Find out more about Nathan from his mum Jenny

A special Call

In early March Nathan visited the hospice and a special video call with celebrity Rob Brydon was set up. The video call was a special treat for Nathan and his mum ahead of Mother’s Day and to help them create memories together. On the video call, Rob chatted with Nathan about all the things that he loves doing at the hospice. They talked for half an hour about everything, from Nathan’s love of Captain Jack Sparrow, with Rob doing impressions for him, through to baking at the hospice which he says is ‘the best place in the world’.

They also talked about the animals that Nathan has met whilst staying at the hospice, including rabbits and guinea pigs and Rob’s talked about his pet cats and hamster. They also talked about Nathan’s love of wrestling and how is used to play wrestle with the staff during his stays.
Nathan’s favourite team is Manchester United and they discussed different teams and football players as well as playing FIFA on the Xbox. They finished off by talking about how much Nathan enjoyed singing and his favourite song – ‘You are my Sunshine’.

You are my Sunshine

Whilst at the hospice our Helen & Douglas House team also helped Nathan record him singing – ‘You are my Sunshine’. This is a special song that mum Jenny sings to Nathan if he is feeling sad to help cheer him up. We then sent this video to Rob who sung a duet with Nathan as a surprise for mum Jenny for Mother’s Day. She first heard the song when she took part in a live interview on BBC Radio Oxford on the morning of Friday 12th March (ahead of Mother’s Day) and she had tears of joy in her voice as she spoke about it. 

Jenny said ‘Meeting Rob Brydon was an absolute honour for Nathan and I and it was a real Mother’s Day treat . He was extremely kind and Nathan loved chatting away to him. This is just another way Helen & Douglas House make us feel special. We feel very special and honoured to have met Rob.’ 

Nathan said ‘He was really nice and he has a Hamster.’

By making a donation today, you will be helping us care for local children living with life-shortening and terminal conditions and help them make precious memories together that will last a lifetime.

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