Jigsaw, Cumbria’s only children’s hospice, has been given a new minibus.
Based at Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle, Jigsaw provides day-to-day care, support and activities for children and young people from across the county living with a life limiting illness.
Care is provided in a home from home setting and each young person’s care is tailored for their needs.
Jigsaw received the £35,000 minibus as a donation from the Cumbria branch of the children’s rugby charity Wooden Spoon.
Children who will benefit from the minibus include four-year-old Gibson Greene, of Gretna, who has trichothiodystrophy (TTD), a rare genetic condition, and is supported by the hospice along with his family.
Gibson’s mum Sarah said: “The Jigsaw van means a lot for Gibson as it allows him to get out and about.
“The new van has anchor points, which have been really useful for Gibson’s wheelchair, as it means that it is classed as a car seat. It means he can enjoy the freedom of his wheelchair without the need to swap into a car seat.
“So far, he’s been on visits to Mabie Farm Park in Dumfries and really enjoys the soft play area. Gibson can never go to school, so Jigsaw gives him the educational and medical support he needs to make memories.”
Gibson is only one of 100 people worldwide with TTD and receives specialist support from the hospice’s team. TTD ages children internally meaning he will have a much shorter life span than most.
Sarah added: “Jigsaw is one of our favourite places to go and the staff feel like family. The second you walk in the door you are greeted with a huge smile, a cuddle for Gibson and the offer of a brew. The facility itself is colourful and modern, and you can hear laughter floating down the corridor.
“Jigsaw to us is a magical place where Gibson’s disability is hung up at the door alongside his coat.
“The toys are all adapted so he can play like any other child, the sensory room is soft and safe so he can explore and push the boundaries, because if he does fall he simply bounces.
“The staff don’t question why he can’t walk or talk, instead they love and accept him as he is and will crawl along with him if that’s what makes him happy.
“Amazing as all those things are, the most special thing about Jigsaw is the people that work there. No one is ever too busy to spend time with Gibson, whether it’s a cuddle, dancing along to the song Baby Shark or letting him fall asleep.
“When we started going, I had a little boy who was shy and wouldn’t go more than an arm’s length from me to now, a boy who will say hello to everyone and crawls off to the sensory room the second his knees touch the floor. Jigsaw has become a huge part of our lives that we will be forever grateful for.”
Mark Elliott, head of trustees at Jigsaw, said: “The minibus will enable the hospice to extend its reach, supporting children, like Gibson, to access therapy, activities, and essential appointments safely and together.”
John Cunningham, chairman of Cumbria Wooden Spoon, added: “It’s impossible not to be humbled when you see the extraordinary work done at Jigsaw.
“This donation represents the spirit of the Wooden Spoon family – the belief that, through rugby’s values of teamwork and community, we can make a real difference to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged youth in our region.”
