Last week was Play in Healthcare Week! This is an awareness week showcasing the importance of providing play to children in hospitals. Our Outreach Play Specialists, Tracy and Rachel can continue this therapeutic play for children diagnosed with cancer within their own homes.

Tracy says, “I feel very privileged to work with children, young people and families within their own homes. Children are often more natural and feel more in control when in safe and familiar surroundings which enables a more relaxed approach.”

Meet Cayde

Tracy was introduced to Cayde when his family was given the sad news that his treatment was no longer working. Cayde had spent a lot of time in hospital with the play teams so it was a great opportunity through the outreach role for this play support to continue within Cayde’s own home.  Tracy spent time with Cayde at home and, through play, was able to make many memories with Cayde’s family and created precious mementos along the way.

Cayde’s mum, Susie says, “When Cayde went on to end-of-life care one of the first thoughts we had after the shock and tears was of all the things Cayde would miss out on. With the help from Cayde’s amazing play specialist Tracy and the Candlelighters end-of-life package and support, Cayde got to take part in so many fun and wonderful things. 

When Tracy first came round, she asked about Cayde’s interests and things he liked. From this Cayde got a holiday and trip to Gruffalo World with Grandma and Grandad which gave them chance to make lots of precious memories, and we got a seaside holiday with Cayde’s cousin which helped them make even more memories together. We had a visit from lots of animals including Cayde’s favourite – a bearded dragon and a snake. He took part in a music session and Tracy tried to arrange horse riding for him but unfortunately Cayde didn’t make it to this. 

We have so many precious keepsakes made with Tracy and Cayde’s cousins. She even made sure all the family got something including a lovely surprise for me. The weekly sessions with Cayde’s cousin were such a lovely time for them to make memories together. They were always creative and lots of fun.

I am so grateful for everything Tracy and Candlelighters did for us as a family and for Cayde himself. Cayde loved Tracy and her visits and she always made them fun and accessible to Cayde’s needs. I am so pleased Tracy got to come and do a session with him a few days before he passed. The memories of his smiles that day I will treasure forever.

We now have a Cayde wall with all his canvases on including his framed one.  There is a space for his casts which I can’t wait to see.  I wear Cayde’s fingerprints jewellery every day and I love that I have a piece of him to wear with me at all times.”

Tracy says, “It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to spend time with Cayde and his family, a truly happy and amazing little boy who just loved to play and explore. I always left Cayde’s home with a smile on my face, he was a true delight to be around. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to spend time with Cayde and his family, and create some precious momento’s that I hope bring comfort to his family.” 

These vital roles are entirely funded by your donations and fundraising. Thank you for helping to bring joy and comfort to children and families through outreach play. If you’d like to support these roles, you can make a donation here.