This winter we have launched our first virtual ‘Tree of Lights’. Supporters are invited to remember the life of someone special by illuminating a light on the tree and adding a picture, a message or sharing a special memory and making a small donation.
Every donation made in their memory will not only illuminate the tree but will also have a meaningful impact on the families we support, enabling us to be there for children and families who need our services this year, next year and in the years to come.
The first light on the tree celebrated the life of Callum, a baby that we supported at the end of his life. The dedication was made by his parents Ingride and Ciaran with a message that read: “Dear Callum, mommy and daddy miss you so much this Christmas and always. You are forever loved our little Christmas bear.” with a picture of baby Callum.
We first started supporting the family in September 2022 when they were referred after a tumour was found in Callum’s kidney. Devastatingly, the tumour was a very aggressive type of cancer – a malignant rhabdoid tumour of the kidney and after a full body scan it was discovered that Callum had a further two tumours in his brain. We supported Callum with music therapy, clinical support, specialist care and nursing and a dedicated Family Link Worker. Callum came to The Ark for end-of-life care at the end of February 2023 and sadly died on 5th March 2023 when he was just 11-months old.
Ingride says:
“Losing a child is something you can never come to terms with, you just have to take it day by day. But we’re grateful for the time we did have with him.”
The couple are now expecting another child and Ingride says:
“Being pregnant again is wonderful but with grief there is always mixed emotions, being really happy and sad that they won’t have their brother.”
The family are very much still a part of The Ark, Callum’s has his own bench and an ornamental butterfly, inscribed with his name, flies in the sensory garden. The family still visit The Ark regularly and Ciaran says,
“It feels like a very special place for us to come and connect to Callum and feel his presence.”
Our Supporter Engagement Manager, Cathy White said:
“This time of year can be very hard, especially if you’ve experienced loss or are missing a loved one. Our Tree of Lights gives supporters the chance to dedicate a light and remember someone special, whilst helping to support children who are seriously unwell and their families at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.”
You can dedicate a light on our virtual tree here.