'When Lillian was about 12 weeks old, I noticed that things weren't right'

RD ASS

- BY GARY PORTER

Louise Cracknell with her daughter Lillian and, right, at Claire House's Strictly event at Liverpool's Titanic Hotel.

WHEN Chester mum Louise Cracknell was told her “longed-for baby” was seriously ill, she says Claire House Children’s Hospice “supported us every step of the way”

Tots groups, hydrotherapy sessions and respite helped her daughter Lillian to live well.

But it was in saying goodbye that the charity made its most profound difference.

Last week, Louise courageously shared her family’s story with an audience at Claire House's Strictly event at Liverpool's Titanic Hotel.

“Claire House was like a sanctuary where we were able to come to peace with what had happened and prepare us for what lay ahead,” Louise told the gathering.

“Lillian loved being in the breeze and my last wish was to take her into the beautiful garden outside the Butterfly Suites and have the wind blow through her curly hair.

“The team at Claire House helped me wrap her in her blanket and take her outside one last time. The sun shone on her face and I knew then, I could let her go.”

“No child should have to go through what Lillian did,’ said Louise. “But Claire House helped to make her life happy and helped us cope with the immeasurable loss that losing a child brings.