Sponsor a Family Support Worker for Sick Children

No parent expects to outlive their child, but for many of the families Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports this is a real possibility. Rainbow Trust is there every step of the way, supporting families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness during diagnosis, treatment and, if needed, through bereavement.    

One mother whose 13-year-old son died last year is so inspired by the support her whole family has received from Rainbow Trust that she wanted to share their story to highlight the charity’s work and the difference it has made to their lives.

Magdalene, a single mum, is able to reminisce about her son Joseph with her other two children and their father Joseph. She has also managed to return to work, thanks to the help they have had from her Family Support Worker, Amanda.

“Rainbow Trust has been with us throughout,” Magdalene said. “Amanda has been very supportive and I wish I could have her in our lives forever. She’s part of the family.”

Amanda began supporting the family after Joseph, known as Joey, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, of the left leg in 2015 when he was 12 years old. Joseph had his leg amputated and a prosthetic leg fitted but the cancer spread all over his body and he died on 30 April 2016.

Before Joseph died Amanda spent time with the whole family, taking Joseph’s brother Selff, aged 12, and his seven-year-old sister, Sheniece, to school when Magdalene was at hospital with him. Amanda, who the family affectionately call Auntie Mandy, took the family to hospital appointments as Magdalene did not drive then and Joseph found it difficult to walk.

“Joseph loved Aunty Mandy. She gave Joseph activities when he came home from hospital and she sat with us and we all talked,” Magdalene said.  

Now, Amanda continues to support the whole family by taking Selff and Sheniece out on day trips. Her bereavement support has helped the family enormously, giving Magdalene the confidence to pass her driving test and return to work and perhaps, most importantly, helping them to grieve and remember Joseph.

Magdalene said: “Mandy takes the children everywhere. Sheniece loves to play and if I tell her she’s seeing Mandy she is so excited. She has enabled me to go back to work. Without Mandy I would be staying at home.

“We can all talk to Mandy about anything. When the kids go to school and when I am not working I’m in the house alone so Mandy comes in and we sit and talk and I have company. We all love talking about Joseph. He was young and vibrant with a broad smile and he was always laughing. His school have been very supportive and helped us to mark Joseph’s life by organising a memorial service in July last year which was very special.”

“We have been inspired by Rainbow Trust and we want other families to be open to getting help from them. It’s tough and difficult and we have to get on with life but Rainbow Trust are always there. They have enabled us to talk and laugh again. I want everyone to help Rainbow Trust flourish and for families to get that help as well. I really appreciate Rainbow Trust. All I have to do is call Aunty Mandy.”