We’ve been on a rollercoaster, but Eckersley House was there every step of the way
When twins Riley and Noah were diagnosed with rare moyamoya disease years apart, Eckersley House gave the Watkins family vital comfort and support.
Family stories
We believe every family with a seriously ill child in hospital should be able to stay together. Here you can read inspiring, first-hand accounts from families who have stayed in one of our ‘Homes from Home’.
My newborn daughter was diagnosed with an incredibly rare heart defect
Baby Ophelia needed open heart surgery at just three weeks to correct a rare heart defect. Eckersley House made sure her parents, Olivia and Sebastian, were always with her.
Crawford House was more than a place to stay; it was a sanctuary
When teenager Keisha needed urgent treatment 200 miles from home, her family faced unimaginable challenges. Crawford House provided a lifeline, as mum Laura explains.
Eckersley House feels like your home and you know there is someone there like Jane to listen
Since being born in January 2020, Aria and her family have spent just 61 days outside of the hospital walls. Aria was born with a liver condition and recently needed a liver transplant, with the donor being her mum. Eckersley House has been there for Aria's parents, keeping the family together throughout their time in Leeds
Scott House has given us the freedom to be there at 4am and be together
Emma and David have been staying at Scott House for the last 11 weeks since their son, Isaac, was suddenly diagnosed with a rare heart condition.
It can be a very lonely time being away from home, but Crawford House helps to ease that
Evie is recovering from a bone marrow transplant in Newcastle, where she has been since July. During this time we have been able to support her parents at Crawford House
It can happen to anyone. Don’t take a service like this for granted.
When Sue Cartwright worked for us she knew just how impactful given a family a place to stay was. Years later, her own nephew was given a 'Home from Home' when his son Jack needed treatment in Leeds Children's Hospital
I would’ve slept on the chair by Etta’s bedside had it not been for The Sick Children’s Trust
Emma Blaik's daughter was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital after contracting the flu. She spent six days in hospital during which time we supported her at our Sheffield 'Homes from Home'.
By the time I got into bed I felt like even though I was on my own – I wasn’t alone
Eliana was born with multiple heart defects and needed heart surgery at six months old. Throughout their time at Leeds Children‘s Hospital, Eckersley House has been their ‘Home from Home’
Two of my sons were born extremely premature, Eckersley House made sure we were always with them
Two of Lucy Vickerman's sons were born extremely premature and both times Eckersley House kept her by their side.
We were walking into the unknown but the staff were there to reassure us
Ben and Claudia found themselves at The Rosie Hospital just hours after their son was born not breathing. Find out how Chestnut House supported them
Magnolia House has made the impossible possible
Martin and Adele have been staying at Magnolia House while one of their twins, Joshua, is treated at Sheffield Children's Hospital. They are facing Christmas and the New Year in hospital, but our 'Home from Home' is easing some of their worries
It was a monumental moment of strange normality and respite
Hayley and Paul found themselves 60 miles away from home at their baby daughter's hospital bedside as she underwent open heart surgery. Rainbow House kept their family together