A Gateshead mother has expressed her gratitude to the hospice staff who have supported her daughter for 16 years, from the terrifying early weeks of her life when she fell ill with encephalitis at just eight weeks old. Gracie Watchorn was cared for by the children and young adults service at St Oswald's Hospice in Fenham, and the hospice has remained a constant presence in her life ever since.
A Frightening Start
Linsey Preston, from Gateshead, shared her story to mark Children's Hospice Week, organised by Together for Short Lives. She recalled: "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 answering lots of our questions. It made such a difference having people who understood."
Milestones and Memories
Gracie has since reached many milestones and at 16 still enjoys monthly breaks with the hospice team. Linsey added: "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."
Family Support
Linsey also witnessed the hospice's support for older adults, as her father spent his final days in the hospice's in-patient unit. She said: "I was going between the adults’ and 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."
Hospice Care Impact
Matron Holly Elliott commented: "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 and her family are a wonderful reminder of that."
St Oswald's Hospice Anniversary
St Oswald's Hospice is preparing for its 40th birthday next month, while the children's services have been operating since 2002. In 2026, the children and young adults service provides support for young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Angela Egdell, director of care services, 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 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."
