Sandwiches, cake and music proved the order of the day as a popular teenager signed off with a special party to mark her last short break with East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Bobbie Murray has the genetic disorder Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy and is transitioning into adult care, having recently celebrated her 18th birthday.
Staff recently threw a lunchtime party to mark her last visit to EACH’s Milton hospice.
“We were so pleased and touched when we heard about it,” said mum Kathy, who, together with husband Tony, adopted Bobbie in 2017.
“It was such a lovely thing to do and the perfect way to sign-off. From our point of view, it’s quite emotional and going to leave a gap in our lives.
“Bobbie always loved her time at Milton. She enjoyed spending time with the care team, playing with her dolls and swimming in the hydrotherapy pool.
“However, her favourite thing by far was having music therapy sessions, which gave her an opportunity to sing, dance and be the centre of attention!
“Bobbie loved everything about her time at the hospice and always looked forward to her visits. The hardest part was getting her to come away.”
Bobbie had been in foster care and lived with Kathy, 74, and Tony, 67, from the age of five. The couple decided to adopt her in 2017.
She had been receiving care from EACH for three and a half years, since her family moved to Cambridge from the Essex village of Southminster.
“From our point of view, it gave us a welcome break and some much-needed respite,” said Kathy.
“As we adopted her in later life, we don’t have another layer of support – namely grandparents – that young parents might have.
“We look after her on our own, so it was always nice to have an opportunity to rest and recharge our batteries.
“It was just nice knowing she was happy and safe, being cared for by people we trusted.
“It was also nice to get a good night’s sleep, knowing we wouldn’t be up in the night with Bobbie.
“Milton is such a lovely place – somewhere we always felt safe and comfortable. It’s been a very positive experience for us all.”
Bobbie’s family celebrated her 18th birthday with a weekend in the Peak District.
“Her condition is muscle-wasting and affects various parts of her body, including her heart and lungs,” added Kathy, who has three other children, including two that were also adopted.
“Although she’s 18, her mental age is more like that of a child of five or six.
“However, she’s a very friendly, loving girl who loves giving people a hug.
“She loves to sing and dance and is doing really well, considering the challenges she faces in life.”
Bobbie spends four days a week at Cambridge Regional College, in Huntingdon.
She is part of a Learning for Life course, which helps young people improve their independence, social, communication and life skills.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
