Millie has had 23 brain surgeries
Millie in the sensory room at Little Bridge House. (Credit: Children’s Hospice South West)
A young girl who has endured 23 brain surgeries is among those seeking support to ensure local families can share precious time together.
Nine-year-old Millie, who lives with a rare genetic syndrome and hydrocephalus, has been supported by a children’s hospice for more than seven years.
Alongside her mother, Meg, and younger sister, Mia, she is highlighting the vital role of specialist care in creating lasting memories for those with complex medical needs.
Millie faces significant daily challenges; she is fed through a PEG tube and uses a power-assisted wheelchair for mobility. Her care is provided around the clock at home by Meg, who first encountered the charity when Millie was just nine months old and recovering from her fourth surgery.
When a paediatrician recommended a referral to Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, the family discovered a supportive environment that differed from their previous medical experiences.
Meg said: “It was just really sweet; everyone was lovely and friendly. They were very excited to meet Millie. Everyone came over and made a fuss and wanted to speak to her, it was just so lovely, almost like settling into a family.
“It took me aback as we had been in a lot of medical situations, in and out of hospital, where, although people are nice, this was completely different. The care team wanted to cuddle Millie and talk to her, get to know her. It was just nice to see people wanting to interact like that with Millie. They see children for what they are, not their medical condition.”
The facility provides expert care for Millie, sibling support for Mia, and respite for their mother. During December, the care team organises events ranging from carol singing and donkey visits to a sensory light trail through a garden.
Meg added: “I remember one year staying at Little Bridge House over the festive period, the decorations were up everywhere, it was so beautiful. They had lots of lovely Christmas events like visiting Santa and carol singing. As we live so close to Little Bridge House we are lucky enough to be able to come along to lots of these special events.”
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), which operates three sites across the region, relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions to meet its annual running costs of approximately £14 million.
Emma Perry, head of fundraising at Little Bridge House, said: “Thank you so much for supporting families like Millie’s this Christmas. Your kindness means so much to those facing incredibly tough challenges. Together, we can make a real difference.”
Reflecting on the impact of the service, Meg said: “Little Bridge House is a place full of love and happiness and that’s the main thing for me, I just feel happy going and I know that Millie and Mia love it too.”
Donations to the campaign can be made online.