Supporting Siblings of Terminally Ill Children

Every Tuesday, three-year-old Alexander sits by the window of his home, looking out for Brodie, their Family Support Worker. Brodie supports the family because Noel, Alexander’s twin brother, developed a brain injury at birth and is on round-the-clock oxygen.

Rainbow Trust has been supporting the family for two years. Dad Darren says Rainbow Trust and Brodie has made a huge difference to their lives, supporting the whole family and providing some much needed respite for him and Isobel, his wife.

“The first thing Alexander asks on a Tuesday morning is whether Brodie is coming. It gives the kids a break and some attention because a lot of the time is spent around Noel because of his disabilities. Even on fun days out, life revolves around Noel.”

During Brodie’s visits, she spends time with Alexander and Noel and takes Alexander to collect big sister Abigail from school to give Darren some respite. She plays games, crafts with them and uses sensory toys to stimulate them. This frees up time for Darren to, either spend with Noel, or to catch up on some household chores.

“We would really struggle without Brodie. Collecting Abigail from school should be a five-minute job but getting Noel ready and in his wheelchair is an hour’s operation. I do that at least three times a week so to have the extra time when Brodie is here is great. It sounds a small thing but in my world and the children’s world, that makes a great difference.

“There have been times outside Brodie’s regular Tuesday appointments where she has helped me out by picking up Abigail from school and brought her to the hospital. If Noel’s in hospital, we have to be with him 24-7. She’s gone out of her way to help us with what is a very stressful time. We love Rainbow Trust in general and Brodie. It has changed our lives.”

Rainbow Trust enables families who have a child with a life threatening illness to make the most of their time together by pairing them with an expert Family Support Worker who helps them at home, in hospital and in the community, for as long as is needed. Your donations are making it possible for Darren and his wife to cope with everyday life, despite Noel’s illness.