Home / Health / Mother Praises Hospice for Son's Peaceful End
Mother Praises Hospice for Son's Peaceful End
18 Jun
Summary
- A mother found vital support at a children's hospice.
- Her son passed away from a rare brain condition.
- The hospice advocates for increased government funding.
A mother has spoken out about the "absolutely vital" role of hospice care in supporting her family after her son's death. Fleur Bryant shared how Christopher's hospice in Guildford, run by Shooting Star Children's Hospice, provided comfort and care for her nine-year-old son, Toby, during his final five weeks. Toby passed away in May 2024 from Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system.
Bryant described the hospice as becoming a "home" for her children and staff as their "family," enabling Toby to have a "good quality death." The hospice is now appealing for greater government support, highlighting the need for sustainable funding to continue providing high-quality palliative care.
Shooting Star's chief executive emphasized the charity's role in protecting childhoods and supporting families through difficult times. He noted that while their care is "first class," a long-term funding solution is necessary for hospices to integrate effectively into the government's 10-year plan for community healthcare.
