The mother of a five-year-old boy, whom she describes as her 'brave little lion', has shared their family's journey as part of Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children's hospices' summer campaign. Little Callum Roberts' face will appear on 30,000 envelopes arriving in homes this week, aiming to raise £75,000 for the charity through donations and a summer raffle.
Early Struggles
Callum's mother, Carrie Roberts, revealed that Callum and his twin brother, Tyler, were born prematurely at just 29 weeks. Tragically, Tyler was stillborn, and Callum was diagnosed with a heart condition, leaving his parents, Carrie and Gavin, fearing the worst. Carrie said: 'We had already lost Tyler, and we did not think Callum would come home from the hospital. It was a horrible situation for me and Gavin to be in.'
Introduction to Hope House
Carrie and Gavin were introduced to a Hope House Tŷ Gobaith neonatal nurse at the hospital, who explained the hospice's support services, including respite care and symptom control. At first, Carrie was hesitant. She said: 'Honestly, I did not want to think about needing Tŷ Gobaith. I had fought for Callum to be born, and I could not stop thinking that a hospice was only a place for the end. I was not ready for that. I would just cry thinking about it.'
For a while, Carrie tried to manage alone, but soon realised she needed help. 'I was caring for Callum 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while Gavin was working to support our family. I was at breaking point and could not cope.'
A Life-Changing Meeting
Recognising her struggle, Carrie attended a local wellbeing event where she met Nia, the hospice's community nurse. Carrie said: 'That meeting with Nia changed everything. She put me at ease and explained what Tŷ Gobaith was all about. We went through all the care Callum needed, and she understood everything. Only then did I know I could let Callum go for respite care.'
Carrie added: 'It takes me a long time to trust people, especially with Callum, but I trusted Nia. When I visited Tŷ Gobaith, I quickly built that trust with the other staff too. I will be forever grateful that the support we needed was there at the right time.'
First Respite Experience
For Callum's first visit, carers collected him from the family home in Amlwch, where he lives with his mum and two sisters, Keira and Chloe. Carrie was so nervous that she called every hour to check on him. The nurses were happy to update her, which she found reassuring. Once she knew Callum was happy, she could relax and recharge. Carrie said: 'Callum is five years old now and has been visiting Tŷ Gobaith for the last two years. I still call when he is having respite, but not as much because I know the care team would call if needed.'
During Callum's respite, Carrie can do things many take for granted but are impossible as a full-time carer. 'I can read a book, watch television, sleep, get my hair done, or just sit and do nothing. They sound simple, but when Callum is at home, all my time is spent caring for him.'
New Experiences and Joy
Carrie loves that Callum can enjoy new experiences at Tŷ Gobaith, designed with his abilities in mind. She said: 'He loves music and the lights in the sensory room. He loves banging drums and making noise with instruments. The activity staff are great at finding things he enjoys, and then I replicate them at home. He absolutely loves it at Tŷ Gobaith.'
Carrie added: 'He is just living his life to the best. He has a smile that melts you and big, sparkly eyes you get lost in.' She knows Callum's future is uncertain but is grateful for meeting Nia when she needed Tŷ Gobaith most. 'Callum is the strongest boy I know. I call him my brave little lion because that is what he is. Despite everything, he still smiles and gets on with it. He is just amazing.'
She concluded: 'Nia is our angel. She spent time getting to know Callum and understanding our needs. She knew we needed Tŷ Gobaith even before we did. I am so grateful that I tried respite care.' To support children like Callum, donations or entries to the summer raffle, which offers a £6,000 first prize, can be made at hopehouse.org.uk/callum.
