Parents take on epic walk for hospice that helps twin boys

26 Mar 2021 11:51
Published by: Scott Callan

A COURAGEOUS Westhoughton couple are set to walk from Bolton to Blackpool to raise money for a children’s hospice that cares for their twin boys

 

Daniella Wroth and her partner Julian Crossman will begin their epic walk on Saturday morning (27 March) and trek over 30 miles to reach Blackpool Tower. 

 

The pair are raising money to support Derian House Children’s Hospice where their twin boys visit for respite.

 

The Chorley-based charity offers palliative, respite and end-of-life care to children from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment.

 

The children’s hospice is an especially important place to Daniella and Julian as it is where their twin boys, Arthur and Tommy receive care.

 

The 18-month-old twins were both diagnosed with a severe form of cerebral palsy amongst other life-threatening conditions, meaning their family faces a future of uncertainty.

 

Derian House has provided a lifeline for the family helping them to feel supported when they needed it most.

Mum, Daniella, said: “When you become a parent to a child with disabilities, your whole life is turned upside down. Because of Derian House, we aren’t suffering in silence anymore. The boys absolutely love going there and they are treated with such care and love.”

 

Arthur and Tommy enjoy messy play and splashy sessions in the hydrotherapy pool whilst their parents are also offered the support they need too.

 

Daniella continued: “The first time the boys went to Derian for the weekend I was actually able to rest because I knew they were being looked after by specialists and I knew they were happy.

“We have been offered counselling, as well as other things including a chef-prepared meal and a back massage – because when you are constantly carrying two children around your back is in bits! We also have a free week’s holiday booked at Ribby Hall Village in June thanks to Derian House.”

 

Derian House Children’s Hospice looks after more than 400 children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West. Care is free for families, but services cost £5 million to run every year. With only 12 per cent of funding coming from the government, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters.

 

“Every penny we raise will benefit the hospice and the families they care for. Your donation may help a family, like us, to have a holiday together which they otherwise thought would be impossible,” Daniella said.

 

Sarah Proctor, Community Fundraiser at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Arthur and Tommy’s parents are undertaking this epic walk to raise money for us at Derian House. We love supporting the family and are so pleased that they have chosen to do this in order to support another family in the future. We’ll all be cheering them on this weekend and wish them all the luck in the world.”

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