'We've never been able to go swimming as a family'

HOSPICE APPEALS FOR HELP WITH 'MEMORY MAKING' HYDROTHERAPY POOL

- By DEBORAH HALL

FOR most families, a trip to the swimming pool is a simple pleasure.

However, for those supported by Martin House Children’s Hospice, where children live with life-shortening and complex conditions, it is often impossible. Since its launch in April 2024, THE BUILD, a major transformation project of the hospice with a £2m public appeal target, has already made a profound impact.

THE BUILD recently reached significant milestones: raising £1m in donations and opening its brand new, purpose-built Children’s Wing. Phase two of THE BUILD will introduce a hydrotherapy pool designed to manage children’s symptoms, ease muscle spasms, and provide freedom for children with movement disorders, while providing essential time for family bonding.

For Ava, who was diagnosed with a random gene deletion, the hydrotherapy pool will help aid her regular physiotherapy, as she is unable to sit or walk.

Mehreen, Ava's mum, said: “Ava’s sisters have asked so many times if she can come to the pool, but that can’t happen. Every time, it’s a reminder of the simple things that something their family has never had - the chance to swim together safely.