Making Special Memories this Christmas

KEMP Hospice has been helping to make special memories for a patient and her daughter this Christmas. Thanks to the support of local businesses, Debbie and her young daughter Jasmine have been treated to days out and even an overnight stay at one of West Midlands Safari Park’s brand-new elephant lodges.

Debbie Taylor who is currently a patient at KEMP Hospice, is living with the life-limiting condition Pulmonary Hypertension. Debbie said “My condition means that I have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply my lungs. It’s a very rare condition and ultimately means that I am now on the waiting list in need of a double lung transplant”.

Jayne Sargeant KEMP Fundraiser said “When we were told about Debbie’s story and how her condition was affecting her young daughter Jasmine, we wanted to try and find some fun things for them to take part in. It’s just heart-warming to see so many businesses were willing to help this wonderful mum and daughter duo make some special memories together”.

Time together to make precious memories

Debbie and her daughter have been treated to a day out at Cadbury World and are going to make special pottery at Bewdley based The Melting Pot in the new year. They have also been able to spend the night in one of West Midlands Safari Park’s brand-new lodges, thanks to the generosity of the Bewdley based attraction.

Belle from West Midlands Safari Park Guest Relations Team said “We’re so pleased to hear that Deb and her family enjoyed their stay in our elephant lodge at the start of the month. We’re always happy to look into helping local families and will endeavour to do what we can when a request comes in, especially during these challenging times. We hope that Deb and her family have made some wonderful memories that they can treasure”

“Beautiful memories and very big smiles”

Deb continued to say “I can’t explain in words how wonderful it’s been to share these experiences with Jasmine. I worry about the impact my condition has had on her, and how scared she can sometimes be to see how it affects me.” Before their stay at the Safari Park lodges, Jasmine was given the choice of which lodge she would like to stay in. “Jasmine picked the elephant lodge which was fantastic. The food was wonderful, and we also got to see Santa and the special festive lights display which made it that little bit extra special. Jasmine was also very excited to tell her school friends about her trip and was even asked to give a special presentation by her teacher. I can’t thank everyone enough for helping us have this special time together. We’re both left now with beautiful memories and very big smiles.” 

Jayne continued “Christmas is a time which we know can be so wonderful and yet so challenging for those affected by a life-limiting illness. When we approached The Melting Pot, Cadbury World and West Midlands Safari Park to see if they could help us make some special memories for Debbie and Jasmine, we were just overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone and we would like to extend our very heartfelt thanks to them all”.