Alexander Devine Children's Hospice

Please join us in helping make a difference.

My daughter Hollie was diagnosed with a Craniopharyngioma at the age of 5. It was a complete shock to us all and a club nobody wants to be a member of.

Hollie underwent surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford followed by proton treatment in Jacksonville USA. Over the years Hollie had managed to live a fairly normal life and remained in main stream school, despite requiring regular scans and further surgeries.

However, in 2021 Hollie (who had just chosen her options @ school) started experiencing problems with her sight. An MRI scan revealed that her cysts had increased in size and multiplied, requiring immediate surgery. Unfortunately, during surgery Hollie suffered a bleed to her brain, which led to severe brain damage. Hollie spent many months following the operation as a rehab patient at the JR Oxford, Tadworth Rehabilitation centre and the RBH Reading.

Hollie has very complex needs and requires 24hr care. Hollie's Life expectancy is sadly a matter of months as her cysts continue to grow. There is no treatment for Hollie's condition and further surgery would not improve her quality of life.

Alexander Devine Hospice have provided us, as a family fantastic support over recent months.

Hollie has recently spent 5 days at the hospice to assess her pain management and medication. During her stay she has enjoyed hydrotherapy sessions and a number of activities with play co-ordinators, which she loves (even if she is asleep for most of it).

Hollie is a beautiful fun loving girl with a huge heart. During the pandemic Hollie made PPE masks along with cake sales to raise money for the Brain Tumour charity and Ronald McDonald House.

Please support us no matter how small the donation. Every penny counts to help bring joy and support to families just like ours during these difficult times.

On the 22nd December, myself, wife and son-in-law will be taking part in the Santa Dash to help raise funds for Alexander Devine Children's Hospice in Maidenhead.

More information about Alexander: Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service is a charity that provides specialist care and vital support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.