“I never imagined that the Hospice I waved flags for as a child would one day become such an important part of my daughter, Gracie’s life.”

When St Oswald’s Hospice first opened its doors, 40 years ago, in 1986, Linsey Preston, was a child at the school over the road. She remembers standing outside with the other local children, waving her flag and cheering as the Hospice opened.

Years later, St Oswald’s Hospice would become part of her own family’s story in ways she never could have imagined.

Linsey’s daughter, Gracie, developed encephalitis (inflammation in the brain) after picking up a virus as a baby. Gracie’s family were told they may only have a short time with her.

At just eight weeks old, Gracie was welcomed into our Children and Young Adults Service. Linsey remembers how difficult that time was:

“Those early weeks were really frightening. We didn’t know what was going to happen or how long we would have with Gracie. Every day felt precious, and we came here for help, respite and support.

“The team were amazing. They helped me learn how to look after Gracie and supported us with lots of questions we had to ask. It made such a difference having people who understood.”

Gracie as a baby 2
Gracie on her 5th birthday
Gracie on 13th birthday
Gracie on her 16th Birthday
Linsey and Gracie enjoying Jellycat fun!

As weeks turned into months, Gracie kept reaching milestones her family once feared she might never see.

Each one was celebrated with a cake, an age badge and hope for the next.

Now 16, Gracie has grown up enjoying monthly short breaks in our Children and Young Adults Service. The team have given Gracie the specialist care she needs, while giving Linsey and her family reassurance, guidance and time to rest.

Linsey smiled: “To see Gracie turn 16 means everything. The hospice has been there for her since she was a tiny baby, helping her enjoy the things she loves, from music therapy and the sensory room to getting out on trips.”

Linsey’s family have been supported in more ways than one by the hospice. In 2013, Linsey’s dad was cared for at the end of his life in our Adult Inpatient Unit.

Linsey shared:

“I was going between the adults and the children’s services, and I saw first-hand how much care, kindness and compassion there is across St Oswald’s Hospice. To have that support for my dad, for Gracie and for us as a family is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Linsey knows the idea of hospice care can feel daunting at first, but her message to other families is one of reassurance.

She said:

“The entire Children and Young Adults team make you feel really welcome from the moment you arrive. They take the time to get to know your child and your family, and they give you so much support.”

Linsey Gracie and Bestie at Wetwheels
Gracie Watchorn in garden
Gracie and Bestie on boat for wet wheels

Looking back, Linsey has a heartfelt message for the team who have cared for Gracie and been there for their family over the years.

“Thank you for everything you have done for Gracie and our family. Your kindness, care and support have meant more than I can put into words. I don’t know how I would have got through it without you.”

Holly Elliott, Matron of our Children and Young Adults Service at St Oswald’s Hospice, said:

“It has been a privilege to support Gracie and her family over so many years. Watching children and young people grow, experience joy and make memories with the people they love is such an important part of children’s hospice care, and Gracie’s story is a wonderful reminder of that.”

Angela Egdell, Director of Care Services at St Oswald’s Hospice, said:

“St Oswald’s Hospice has been here for local people and families for 40 years, and that has only been possible because of the kindness and generosity of our community.

“Children’s Hospice Week is an opportunity to help more people understand what children’s hospice care can mean. It is specialist care, emotional support, quality time, and helping families feel supported during some of the most difficult moments they may ever face.

“As conversations continue nationally around palliative and end of life care, we welcome recognition that hospice funding needs to be more sustainable. It is vital that patients and their families remain part of that conversation.

“Local support also remains vital in helping us care for families now and in the future. Every donation, fundraiser, volunteer hour and act of kindness helps us continue to be there for babies, children, young adults and families when they need us most.”

We’re incredibly grateful to Linsey and Gracie for sharing their story with us for Children’s Hospice Week 2026, which can help people to understand the difference children’s hospice care can make for families.

You can learn more about St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service by clicking here.

To support St Oswald’s Hospice’s Children and Young Adults Service, text CHILDRENS followed by your donation amount to 70460. For example, text CHILDRENS 5 to donate £5, CHILDRENS 10 to donate £10, or CHILDRENS 20 to donate £20.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you would like to donate but do not wish to receive marketing communications, please text CHILDRENSNOINFO to 70460 instead.

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