This Christmas, Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home is calling on the Swindon community to help ensure no family caring for a seriously ill child faces the festive season alone.
The charity plans to support 13 families across Swindon this December, providing vital nursing care and moments of joy when they’re needed most. It costs around £13,832 to deliver this care — and Jessie May can only do it with the communities help
One family who knows just how much difference Jessie May’s care can make at Christmas is Nathan’s.
Nathan (8 years old) lives with complex epilepsy and severe global developmental delay, experiencing unpredictable seizures every day. His care involves oxygen, constant monitoring, and PEG feeding - and despite years of tests, his condition remains undiagnosed.
Mum Kelly said: “Nathan’s seizures are scary. He stops breathing sometimes, and we have to act fast. You get used to it, but it never gets easier.”
Jessie May nurses have been supporting the family since Nathan was three, offering specialist care at home and giving Kelly a rare chance to rest. “Sometimes I’ve had a sleepless night and they arrive - I just hand Nathan over and breathe,” she says. “Even if I’m just in the house, I can sit down with a coffee and not worry. That’s rare.”
Nathan’s sister, now 12, has grown up alongside his complex needs. Jessie May’s support helps her too - giving her time with Mum and helping the family feel less isolated.
Christmas brings extra challenges. Kelly said: “We celebrate at home because it’s too hard to go anywhere. Even going to church takes planning. Jessie May helps us keep things calm and joyful.”
Mel, one of Nathan’s nurses, said: “Nathan is such a joyful little boy, even with everything he faces. It’s a privilege to support him and his family - especially around Christmas, when we know how important it is to bring a bit of peace and magic into their home.”
This December, Jessie May nurses will continue to bring care, comfort, and festive joy to families like Nathan’s - but they need your help.
With the support of the public, Jessie May nurses can continue to visit families like Nathan’s this Christmas - giving Mum and Dad peace of mind and Nathan the chance to simply be a child.
This Christmas, you can make that possible. To sponsor a family like Nathan’s this Christmas, visit Christmas Appeal 2025 - Jessie May.
Read the full story here - Nathan's Story - Swindon - Jessie May
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