A LITTLE girl left lost after the sudden loss of a beloved grandparent has found comfort and support through her grief thanks to the Family Support Team at Nightingale House.
Six-year-old Indie Roberts and her mum, Alice, are sharing their story of healing thanks to the support of the team at the Wrexham hospice.
Following the loss of Indie's Taid, Stephen Griffiths, a well-known plumber from New Broughton in July, Nightingale House has provided essential bereavement support, helping Indie find comfort and resilience through creative activities and personal connections.
Alice discovered the hospice provided bereavement support to children, even if their lost loved one had not been cared for by the hospice.
Indie Roberts and her mum Alice Roberts.
She said: "A friend recommended Nightingale House, I emailed, and they responded almost straight away.
"She was seen by Jackie within a week. It was really amazing."
Indie said: "I like coming to see Jackie, she gives me lots of fun things to do."
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Alice added: "Since Indie started her sessions at the hospice she has transformed. She's like a different child at home, it's been such a big help."
Through engaging sessions with Jackie from the Family Support Team, Indie has created a memory box, painted stones, and planted flowers in honour of her Taid. She even created a Christmas rock for him, reflecting the care and thought she puts into remembering him and their special bond.
Indie Roberts and Jackie Crouch (Social Worker at Nightingale House Hospice)
Alice said: "Indie has put all sorts in her memory box including bracelets, a KitKat wrapper, because every time she walked through the door, Taid would give her a KitKat."
The journey has also helped the family's healing. Alice said: "It's changed us, it's been difficult to explain things to her, with my own grief and my husband's as well. The support has helped us all."
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Together with the wider community, Indie is set to join the hospice's Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 16. Indie has decorated her lantern in memory of her Taid and has already raised more than £400 for Nightingale House through sponsorships.
Alice said: "She's very excited, she's already decorated her lantern and can't wait to see the lights!"
Indie Roberts and her Taid, Stephen Griffiths.
The Lantern Parade will bring the streets of Wrexham to life as the community gathers for this magical evening, as part of Wrexham's Christmas lights switch-on event. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join this family-friendly event, with opportunities to decorate lanterns at workshops on November 9 and 16 at Chapter Court. These workshops provide children with customisable paper lanterns and battery lights.
Every step of the parade is a chance to make a difference, as proceeds from the event will go directly towards Nightingale House Hospice, enabling services like the Family Support Team to provide vital care to more children and families in need.
Find out more and register your child for the Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 16, organised by Nightingale House Hospice in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council at www.bit.ly/NHHLanterns
Registration is £6, with accompanying adults free of charge.
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