A family from North Wales is sharing their incredible story to help us to raise vital funds for respite care.

Ten-year-old Evie Davies from Treuddyn, near Mold, was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition after suffering severe fits as a baby. Doctors told her parents Linda and Dave that she was unlikely to reach the age of ten.

“We were told we had to prepare an end-of-life plan for Evie. I just looked at her lying there and I cried my eyes out,” recalls Linda.

“I had so many hopes and dreams for my baby. When someone tells you that they are going to die it feels like your world is ending.”

Linda contacted Tŷ Gobaith for help and our experienced nurses and counsellors were immediately able to provide specialist support.

Since then Evie has visited regularly for respite care, and last week she celebrated her 10^th birthday with a family party and more than 100 cards. Linda was thrilled.

Evie's story is now being featured in our latest newsletters and leaflets and in posters on display throughout all our charity shops.

“Coming to Tŷ Gobaith was the best thing that ever happened to us,” says Linda. “We were really nervous and scared but from the minute we walked through the door the nurses welcomed us all with love and expertise.

“They have the skills to cope with Evie’s complex condition and are brilliant at looking after the rest of us too.

“Doctors said Evie wouldn’t make her tenth birthday but she has and we had an amazing celebration. I am so proud of her and really hope that sharing her little story will help to raise money to help other children and families who use Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith too.

“I don’t know what the future will hold for Evie but, for the time we have her, we just want to make her as happy as we can.”

Chief Executive Andy Goldsmith said the charity was immensely grateful to Evie and her family for sharing their story to show people how crucial Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith are.

“Finding out your child has a life-threatening illness is devastating. You never give up hope, but you mourn for your child and the life you dreamed they’d have,” he said.

“We’re here to provide care for children like Evie and to give support to their families and make sure they are not alone. But we are dependent on donations to make sure that we can be there for every family that needs us.

“We are appealing to people to pledge a Regular Giving Donation of £5 or £10 a month which will enable us to employ more nurses today to help more families in the future.”

You can find more about Evie’s story or make a donation by visiting the charity’s website www.hopehouse.org.uk or by calling 01691 671671.

Evie is pictured with mum Linda, her brother Harrison and sister Caitlin at Tŷ Gobaith.