Westbury family will take part in festive run for their daughter’s hospice

Westbury mother, Karen Tilley, has signed up to take part in ‘Santas on the Run – goes freestyle’ this weekend, to support the hospice that cares for her teenage daughter, Josselin.

The virtual festive run is raising money for Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Charlton Farm hospice located in North Somerset. Karen was one of the first families to use the hospice for respite breaks over 12 years ago.

Karen said, “I was nervous about going to the hospice and expected it to be like a hospital. It was actually very homely and friendly; my son loved the soft playroom and the jacuzzi. On our first stay it seemed strange letting somebody else take over Josselin’s care and I followed her around the whole time, but I soon gained confidence with the care team and was able to relax with my son.”

Josselin has CHARGE syndrome, is profoundly deaf, has breathing difficulties and severe visual impairments. She has endured over 30 operations in her 14 years. 

Karen said the family has many cherished memories of Charlton Farm, “Seeing Josselin so happy going swimming, riding on adapted bikes, horse riding in the garden. She knows her way around the building and will always find the big toy box and sit inside it, even now that she is a big 14-year-old! 

“Charlton Farm has been a big part of Josselin’s childhood and it is the only chance I get to relax and do absolutely nothing for a couple of days – I don’t even have to cook!”

In promoting their national ‘Santas on the Run – goes freestyle’ event, the CHSW charity says, “When – choose any time over the weekend of Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December. Where – choose a route, location and distance. How – skip, run, walk ride, hop, skate or sledge. The choices are endless! Why – for local children living with a life-limiting condition this Christmas.”