Lizzie and her family are supported by their local children’s hospice, Children’s Hospice South West
Lizzie and her family feature in our very special festive charity film. Lizzie (4) was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a condition where the left side of her heart is underdeveloped (sometimes known as half a heart). Lizzie underwent her first open heart surgery at 5 days old and has had three others since then and 20 smaller key-hole surgeries. "Even though it’s not visual that Lizzie has a life-threatening condition,” says Mum Jo, “she faces challenges every single day. Lizzie is not due to live a long life."
Lizzie’s twin Emily, younger brother Ben and family find visiting the hospice at Charlton Farm, Wraxall invaluable. Mum Jo explains, "Coming to the hospice as a family, we do things together that Lizzie cannot do in an ordinary, every-day setting. She can’t over exert herself, so painting and crafting is something they can do together. To be able to sit down and create memories with her sister and brother Ben, is amazing."
Each Hobbycraft store is partnered with their nearest children’s hospice, meaning that local families directly benefit from money raised locally.