TWO support workers from Hope House Children's Hospices, have been recognised with a national award for their compassionate assistance to a local family during a heartbreaking time.
The unwavering support of Mary Leighton and Brian Plimbley’s - who work with the hospice's Morda and Ty Gobaith bases - proved invaluable to nine-year-old Isobel Owen and her parents as they faced the devastating news that her long-awaited baby brother, Freddie, was unlikely to survive at birth.
Isobel's mother, Lauren, was so grateful for Mary and Brian's impact on her daughter's well-being that she nominated them for the Mariposa Community Award, an annual recognition given to exceptional individuals supporting others through baby loss.
OTHER NEWS:
- Contractor confirms stones ordered to repair Oswestry town centre pavement
- How £4.5 million can buy you an Oswestry house with links to a former US President
- Removal of controversial town centre barriers in Oswestry begins
Isobel’s mum Lauren explains: “I honestly believe Mary and Brian saved Isobel from years of anguish and pain in the future.
“It was such a blessing to us all as a family that they entered our lives.”
As members of Hope House's sibling support team, Mary and Brian have extensive experience in helping children cope with serious illness or loss of a sibling.
Their empathetic approach allowed them to form an immediate connection with Isobel, who found solace in their presence during a time of immense emotional turmoil.
When Isobel's parents received the heart-wrenching news about Freddie's condition in March 2022, their world was shattered.
The dreams and hopes they had for Isobel's future were deeply affected, leaving them overwhelmed and unsure of how to support her through the difficult journey ahead.
However, Mary and Brian's arrival at their home provided a beacon of hope and comfort.
Isobel immediately took a liking to them, and their visits became a safe haven for her amidst the stresses of home life.
For Lauren and Paul, knowing that Mary and Brian were there to prioritise Isobel's emotional needs provided a much-needed sense of security during their most trying times.
Tragically, Freddie's journey ultimately ended in his passing, but Mary and Brian continued to be a steadfast support for Isobel.
The support workers also organised outings and events for siblings in similar circumstances, giving Isobel the chance to meet others who could empathize with her experience.
Lauren and Paul have expressed their profound gratitude for the exceptional care and support that Hope House, Mary, and Brian have provided for their family.
Make sure you don't miss out on any of our news, sports and features. You'll see fewer adverts and enjoy great high street offers too. Just click here for your Oswestry Advertizer digital subscription.
They said: “At Freddie’s funeral and on every occasion we have had chance, we have spoken about the outstanding support and care we as a family have received from Hope House and from Mary and Brian in particular.
“They truly are the most special people and we are so very lucky they have come into our lives in the most awful of circumstances.
“Thank you will never be enough what they have done and for looking after our little girl and us and we hope that they will remain in our lives in some way for a long time to come.”
Hope House Children's Hospices offer a range of essential services to support local children and families, including respite and end-of-life care, sibling support, and counselling.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here