Olivia grows in confidence at sibling residential trip

Earlier this year, in August, Demelza Hospice Care for Children hosted a fun-filled three-day residential trip to the Kingswood Adventure and Activity Park at Grosvenor Hall in Ashford for some of the siblings we support.

The group of 10 and 11-year-olds faced their fears and supported each other as they tackled a number of exhilarating outdoor challenges; including a high adrenaline 3G swing, trampolining sport Aeroball and a 10ft pole climb. 

We caught up with Jessica, mum to Curtis and Olivia to find out more about Olivia’s experience:

“Our eldest child Curtis was five when he was diagnosed with a serious muscle-wasting condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), autism and global development delay.

His little sister Oliva was just a baby at the time so has grown up knowing that her brother has additional needs. Most of my time is spent caring for Curtis which means Olivia doesn’t get much attention.

When Curtis stays at Demelza it gives me a break from his intensive care regime and means I can put Olivia’s needs first for a short while.

When Olivia first heard about the residential trip to Kingswood, she was a little reluctant to go. She didn’t like the idea of not knowing anyone else there and ‘being on her own’.

But she really enjoyed herself and especially loved the 3G swing – she had to pull a ripcord to release herself and set the G-force swing in motion!

She was brave taking part in all of the activities which has helped to boost her confidence.

She also said there was another child that she made friends with and the pair of them would like to remain in touch.

The residential stay was a great life experience for Olivia and I think she would love to go on another sibling trip with Demelza if the opportunity arose.”