Stephen and Sophie’s story

St Oswald’s Hospice provides monthly short breaks for Sophie, 14, who has severe cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Her dad, Stephen, recognises the specialist medical care his daughter receives, combined with the opportunity to try a range of exciting activities during these breaks, brings huge benefits for him and his daughter.

Stephen explained:

“Sophie really enjoys her time at St Oswald’s Hospice. She gets excited about going thanks to all the activities and all the fun she can have.

“For example, it’s a challenge to take Sophie swimming but when we go to the hydrotherapy pool with St Oswald’s Hospice, all the logistics are taken care of. I can have a good time, relax and spend time with my daughter without all of the worries.

“Another highlight last year was Sophie’s grandparents and cousins came to the hospice and we had a special Christmas day together. We got a lovely picture of all of us that I’ll always treasure.”

He added:

“Sophie and I are looking forward to going surfing soon, which is something that I never imagined we’d be able to do.”

Sophie lives with her mum, which makes Stephen and Sophie’s time together at the Hospice extra-special. He appreciates the support that Sophie’s mum gets and how our team make him feel so welcome.

Stephen added:

“I know I can be with my daughter and do the things I can’t do by myself. We can just focus on spending quality time together and creating those special moments.”

That’s why Stephen recently completed a 100-mile bike ride to show his appreciation and raise funds for the Hospice.

“At the beginning of this year, I had an idea that I wanted to do some fundraising and to challenge myself in a fitness way. Then an email came through about the ‘100 miler’ for St Oswald’s Hospice.

“I wanted to do this challenge to give back a little bit. To have Sophie there in my mind, all the way, as a motivation, helped push me through.

“I’m happy to get involved in any fundraising and charity events for St Oswald’s Hospice because it’s a great cause – and I can’t thank them enough for what they do for Sophie, her mum and me.”