Ready to take on the world in support of CHAS
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An afternoon to promote the work of CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) in the strath and wider Highlands has been hailed as a brilliant start.
The event took place at The Dell of Abernethy in Nethy Bridge and was put together by Grantonian Fiona Hunter, who 30 years ago helped to form the hospice for children with life-limiting conditions.
Mrs Hunter said afterwards: “The Tipee at the Dell is such a very special space and Polly (Cameron) and her team went out of their way to make us welcome.
“I am so grateful for their hospitality and support.
“We were a total of 25 people.
“But we were not concerned about numbers on this occasion as the idea was to find a supportive group of people who would get the ball rolling to increase awareness.”
Mrs Hunter began the event on Sunday afternoon by outlining the early days of the charity formed in 1992.
It was important to convey the enormous difference between an adult and a children's hospice.
A child will be referred to CHAS either in hospital or in the community at the time that parents are given the very sad news that their child has a life limiting condition.
CHAS will then work with the family to find how best to support them over that child’s lifetime, for terminal care and to provide bereavement care.
Support will be in the form of respite breaks for the child or the whole family in Rachel House in Kinross or Robin House in Balloch. There will also be at home support provided by one of four teams of specialist nurses - the Highlands team is based in Inverness.
The event included some seated and standing breathing exercises led by Katie White, from Grantown, and an introduction to somatics by Carrie Wilde, from Newtonmore.
Mrs Hunter said: “Everyone enjoyed, these sessions then we shared tea and cake and lots of chat around the open fire.
“We were then treated to an inspirational and captivating presentation by Grace Dennison White, mother of Evelyn (4).
“She described how after a healthy pregnancy Evelyn suffered HIE at birth and the resulting loss of oxygen and blood to the brain mean that she has a very long diagnosis and multiple complex needs.
“Grace and her husband Tom have become the specialists in the care of Evelyn and describe how they would not survive without the ongoing support of CHAS in their home and in Rachel House.
“We were also pleased that Lianne Grace , one of the CHAS nurses, was able to be there to support Evelyn and to answer some questions.”
Mrs Hunter added: “We raised over £500 which is wonderful but more importantly we have a group of people who will go back into the community and spread the word about the need to support Evelyn, CHAS and the other families affected by a life limiting diagnosis across the Highlands.”
One of those who attended Valery Dean told organisers afterwards: ‘That was a completely astonishing afternoon, for me personally and I'm guessing for most of us attending. The afternoon just couldn't have gone better.
“Such a lot of first hand information, especially from yourself and from Grace.
“She is utterly amazing isn't she? “When I spoke to you at the end you'll have picked up, and correctly that I felt like taking on the world in support of CHAS!”
CHAS hasjust published its brand new strategic plan which pledges to provide pivotal support to families of dying children at each critical stage of their palliative care journey.
The Unwavering Care 2024-2028 Strategy was developed following in-depth consultation and feedback from families and stakeholders.
The blueprint sets out how no family ever has to face the death of their child alone.
Anyone who would like to know more about CHAS or needs a speaker at a community event in the strath can contact Fiona Hunter at fihunter27@icloud.com .
