Archie T

Age 7

Little Havens Children's Hospice

"Buddy"

Archie is seven years old and lives with his mum, dad, two brothers and one sister. He was diagnosed with a type of muscular dystrophy at six months old. His condition means he has poor muscle tone and can't stand or walk. He also has breathing difficulties and is fed by a tube.

Archie has been using Little Havens Children's Hospice for around five years. He gets one-to-one attention and the freedom to go where he wants to in his wheelchair.

Archie picked Little Havens Nurse Steve Lawman as his hero. Steve, 37 years old, is the Deputy Head of Care. He said: "It was a genuine surprise that Archie has picked me as his hero. I'm obviously overwhelmed as there are so many other people that play a part in Archie's life. He is very creative so painting is an ideal way for him to express his feelings."

Archie said: "I picked Steve as my hero because he is my buddy at Little Havens. He looks after me very well, and gives me medicine and food in my tube. Steve makes me laugh because we play jokes on other people and we played in a band for the other children at Little Havens. He plays Lego with me. It is important there is a boy nurse at Little Havens because we can do boys stuff together.

"When I'm staying at Little Havens and I know Steve will be there too, I feel very, very, very, very happy because he's my buddy and he is funny. That's why we have big smiles in the painting because we laugh lots."

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 canvas and measures 400mm wide, by 500mm high, by 40mm deep.