Robbie

Age 15

Butterwick House Children's Hospice

"My friend Adam" 

Robbie is 15 years old and has congenital muscular dystrophy which means he has no mobility at all and his only means of movement is by electric wheelchair. His disability causes a lot of problems, such as breathing difficulties and full assistance is needed for just about everything; things that others take for granted. Robbie has been visiting Butterwick House for six years and in that time his confidence has grown and strong friendships have been built.

For the This is my hero artwork Robbie chose Adam who is his sister's boyfriend. Robbie said: "Adam helps me and looks after me. He plays with me on the Playstation and has a similar taste in music and likes computer games. Adam is kind, helpful and funny - he's a good friend."

His mum added: "Butterwick has helped all of our family in different ways. It's a place we can take him to where we, as parents, know he's going to be well cared for, he can have fun and socialise with people outside of the family. It gives us a chance to have a rest from the constant care that he needs, we can go out, go away for weekends and also devote some well earned time to our daughter, Beth, who has played a big part in caring for Robbie. When Robbie goes into the hospice for a few days, it gives us a chance to recharge our batteries, so much so that we look forward to him coming home again and feel ready to ‘face the day' again. Having a disabled child is a constant worry and to have Butterwick is extremely comforting. I really don't know how we would have coped without it."

Sadly, not long after Robbie completed his artwork he passed away.

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 framed in a white wood frame. It measures 530m wide, by 432mm high.