Rachel

Age 9

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) - Ipswich

"The black flash"

Rachel is nine years old. She lives in Felixstowe, Suffolk and accesses sibling support services at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), Ipswich hospice.

Rachel's older sister, Joanna, is 20 years old and has Down's syndrome and Eisenmenger syndrome, meaning family life revolves around Joanna and her 24/7 care needs. Rachel has never known her sister to be well and as Joanna's health has deteriorated, Rachel has had to adapt to putting the needs of others before herself, something which is difficult to do at any age.

EACH has provided a lifeline for the family and sibling support has played a huge part.

Rachel said: "I really enjoy the sibling days as they're fun and you get to play games, meet other children whose brothers or sisters use the hospice and do drawing and painting which I really love. It's so important to have heroes because without them the world would be terrible and there would be lots of crime. I think everyone at the hospice is a superhero as they look after everybody and they are really nice. My picture is of a superhero I made up, she has incredible powers."

Rachel's mum, Corinne said: "Joanna has short break care at the hospice so my husband, Peter, and I can have some Rachel-time and do things normal families do. Rachel loves the sibling days; they're great fun and there's no pressure on her - she can just be a child and enjoy herself. The help EACH provides to our family is invaluable."

Please note this case study (images and copy) must not be used or replicated in any other form without prior consent from Children's Hospices UK. 

This artwork is on card and measures 500mm wide, by 330mm high.