Helen and Douglas House
We are a charity and a place where families can make the most of their time together and create happy memories during their children’s short lives. Helen & Douglas House is a warm, homely place for local children living with life-limiting and terminal conditions, and their families. We provide round-the-clock care in a comforting environment. Our hospice is filled with laughter, whilst also being a peaceful place where families can create happy memories in their last days, weeks, months or years together.
For more information please visit: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk or email reception@helenanddouglas.org.uk
Please keep an eye on Sacha’s Events page for fundraising events or contact Helen and Douglas House for fundraising information.
What Helen & Douglas House Meant to Sacha and Our Family
Helen & Douglas House was one of the first places to offer support for Sacha. Although his medical complexities and treatment plan meant we couldn’t spend as much time there as we would have liked, the moments we did share were very special.
During our visit for respite, Sacha embraced every aspect of the space—the activities, the care, and the incredible support. It was a world unlike anything he had experienced before, and his excitement was infectious. He loved the freedom to explore, running joyfully through the sensory room, the gardens, and every open space he could find. The garden quickly became his favourite place, where he would zoom around on a scooter and the "Little Tikes" car. He was always happiest outdoors, and seeing him come alive in that environment was an absolute joy.
Entrusting others with Sacha’s care was never easy due to his complex medical needs, but the staff at Helen & Douglas House were exceptional. Their warmth, expertise, and compassion allowed us to feel at ease, knowing he was in great hands. This gave us a rare and precious opportunity to step back, take a breath, and simply enjoy being together as a family—playing with Sacha, spending time with our daughter, and experiencing moments of normalcy without the constant weight of medical routines and household responsibilities.
One of our most treasured memories was just a week before Sacha passed, when Helen & Douglas House arranged a special day at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Because of his immunodeficiency, Sacha was rarely able to be around animals, so this was an extraordinary experience for him. He was absolutely thrilled—walking through the park, seeing the animals up close, riding the train, and exploring the adventure playground. That day was filled with pure happiness, and it remains one of our most cherished moments.
After Sacha’s passing, we were struck by how short his life was, yet also how full it had been—full of love, joy, and unforgettable memories made possible by the incredible team at Helen & Douglas House. Their kindness and dedication gave us the gift of those special moments, and for that, we will always be deeply grateful. The Charity continue to support us with group and one to one counselling which we have found very helpful. Being able to meet parents in a similar position has been a remarkable source of support.
Thank you for all your support, also bringing so much joy to Sacha’s life and for creating memories that we will carry in our hearts forever.
