Precious memories to be cherished forever
Baby Sophie Stewart was just days old when her parents received devastating news.
Sophie was diagnosed with Ohtahara syndrome, a life-shortening, extreme form of epilepsy which can cause dozens of seizures a day. It meant she might not even live to see her first birthday.
At three months old, Sophie was referred to Rachel House in Kinross by her neurologist. Parents Lyndsey and Harry were worried, but they soon found Rachel House, run by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) was a positive place to be – where families of children with life-shortening conditions are given a wealth of support as they make precious memories together.
CHAS
“I expected Rachel House to be the saddest place,” says Sophie’s mum, Lyndsey. Instead, she found fun and laughter echoing around the facility.
Eight years on, Sophie lives life to the fullest. And when there are difficult days, Rachel House is there to help.
Lyndsey says: “You put her to bed at night and don’t know if she will be here in the morning. Sophie has already exceeded her life expectancy, but we are focused on making as many memories as possible.”
In 2017, the couple decided to marry and chose Rachel House as the special venue in which to say their vows.
And although the pandemic brought new challenges, the CHAS virtual hospice service and support from the charity’s at-home team have helped the family.
Lyndsey says: “We have our moments, but when we are down we play the ‘glad game’ and think of all the things we’re grateful for.”
Leaving a gift in your Will to CHAS makes a world of difference to seriously ill children like Sophie.
For more details, visit: www.chas.org.uk/legacy
When we are down we play the ‘glad game’ and think of all the things we’re grateful for