Oliver enjoys a trip of a lifetime at sibling residential trip

In August, a group of siblings supported by Demelza Hospice Care for Children enjoyed a fun filled two nights stay at Kingswood Adventure and Activity Park at Grosvenor Hall in Ashford. 

Throughout, the three days, the group of 10 and 11-year-olds faced their fears and supported each other as they tackled a number of exhilarating outdoor challenges; including a high adrenaline 3G swing, trampolining sport Aeroball and a 10ft pole climb.  

We caught up with Nicola, mum to Isabella, Oliver and Emily to find out more about Oliver’s experience: 

“As a family our experience with Demelza has been wonderful; we have had so much support in so many ways. One of the ways Demelza helped us was when we stayed at the hospice when we had adaptations made to our home for Isabella, such as the installation of a wheelchair ramp, special bath and hoists. We knew that all of Isabella’s needs would be met at the hospice and she would have lots of care and be happy there while being away from home. It is so difficult to be away from home with Isabella because there are such a lot of things to take into account such as equipment, medicines, special dietary needs and round the clock care.  

“Having a sibling with serious health and physical needs is very difficult; there is very little freedom to do what lots of other families do and as parents we tend to have to give lots more time to Isabella’s needs. Her seizures can literally occur at any time and will put a stop to any plans we may have made therefore causing huge disappointment to our other children.  

“Seeing Oliver enjoying a trip of a lifetime with Demelza at Kingswood with no interruptions and no disappointment was so lovely; he really enjoyed himself and he said it was nice to meet other children that could really understand what it’s like living in a family like ours. He actually said it made him feel really lucky!  

“I think one of the most important things Oliver learned on the trip was confidence - he was anxious to go not having met anybody before but he quickly got over that and said it was amazing doing such great activities and feeling independent.  

“It’s just another amazing thing that Demelza do for families that make things better.”