Continuing Bonds with Eve

“Leanne has captured Eve and her spirit perfectly. It has been a very emotional but gratifying experience.” Ian, Eve’s dad

Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds is a collaboration between St Oswald’s Hospice and Local Artist, Leanne Pearce. Working with 12 bereaved and pre-bereaved families who have accessed our bereavement support service and/or other care services, Leanne has created stunning portraits of their loved ones to support them in their ‘continuing bonds’ process. Here is the story of one of the families who took part in this unique and beautiful project.

Eve was a kind and bubbly girl who loved school, sports and meeting people until one day, she collapsed on the driveway of her home.

She was rushed to hospital where her family was told she had days to live.

But the 8-year-old confounded the doctors and woke from her coma 3 weeks later.

The bleeding to her brain – later revealed to be the result of a brain tumour – left Eve severely disabled. Her dad, Ian, became his daughter’s full-time carer.

Eve attended monthly short breaks at St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service for more than 12 years. Ian said the hospice became “part of the family”.

Ian always knew the high probability that Eve’s brain tumour would one day start growing again and in 2020, a routine MRI scan revealed his worst fear.

Eve died at St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service on 29th August 2023 in her dad’s arms. She was 20.

“Even if I won the world’s super lottery, it would never be enough to say thank you and to repay St Oswald’s Hospice for giving my daughter her dignity and quality of life back.”

Ian, Eve’s dad.

In his first meeting with Leanne, they agreed the background of Eve’s portrait should be yellow to reflect her favourite colour and sunny disposition. Ian also painted around his hand on the canvas to represent his forever bond as “Eve’s Daddy always”.

After seeing the finished portrait of Eve, Ian added: “I feel so privileged and honoured. Leanne has captured Eve and her spirit perfectly. It has been a very emotional but gratifying experience.”

Our care: Children and Young Adults Service