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.
The worry doesn’t ever go when your baby is ill in hospital
Rachel and Sal were given a place to stay at Chestnut House when their son, Aydin, was born not breathing and needed weeks of intensive care in Cambridge. Since staying with us, their friends and family have raised over £2,000 to thank us for giving them a 'Home from Home'.
It made this time in hospital just a little bit easier
Elijah has complex medical needs which means catching a cold can be really dangerous. Earlier this year he was admitted to GOSH with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. We supported his mum in Guilford Street House while he underwent treatment
12 year old pageant finalist uses platform to help families with seriously ill children in Newcastle hospitals
Charlotte has been busy raising awareness and funds for Crawford House as a finalist in the Royal Sapphire Pageant
I could do all the practical things to help while Jasmine was being looked after
Jimmy and Lana stayed at Chestnut House when their daughter Jasmine needed surgery at just a few days old. Read about the difference it made to them from Jimmy.
My son was in hospital 100 miles away from home, but Rainbow House made sure we were always by his side
Mason-Ray needed surgery for three heart defects and two stomach conditions 100 miles away from home, but Rainbow House made sure his parents were always with him.
It was reassuring to know we were only minutes away
Abbie and James were supported at Acorn House when their son, Jenson, became critically ill with a respiratory virus. He later was diagnosed with a rare heart condition.
Whenever my son or daughter has been in hospital, Eckersley House has always been there for me
Sara's six year old son, Adam has already undergone two open heart surgeries and her daughter Aimee is currently in hospital due to a chronic pain condition. Whenever her children have been in hospital Eckersley House has been there to support them
You can’t put a price on what it gives you
Susan is the proud Nanna to Sophie, a little girl who was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent emergency major surgery. Since Sophie's parents received support at Crawford House Susan has been fundraising for our 'Home from Home'
Mother’s Day – My diary, a look at hospital life
For every parent that walks through our doors, they share a similar but unique reality of spending time with their child in hospital. This Mother's Day we asked Eliana's mum, Louise, to share snippets of her hospital diary with us
Having just 20 minutes at Eckersley House made a huge difference
Alya was born with a heart defect which has meant she has undergone three major heart surgeries at Leeds Children's Hospital. We first helped her parents when Alya was born, and have been there for them ever since.