Suffolk: Mum talks of EACH's decade of care for son Bobby

Sarah Shemmings said the "invaluable" care she and her son Bobby received from East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) is "second to none".

Ten-year-old Bobby has a range of complex health conditions and the pair have been visiting the Treehouse in Ipswich for nearly a decade.

Bobby Shemming (Image: EACH)

Bobby was just nine months old when they first walked through the door, and have since benefitted in a number of ways from the care provided.

Sarah, 37, said: "I'd been talking to families in hospital so knew something about the hospice, but didn't realise what a big part of my life it was to become.

"When we first started coming, it was a case of taking things slowly to begin with.

Bobby Shemming just after he was born (Image: EACH)

"I was reluctant to jump straight in because the staff didn't know my baby and he didn't know them.

"It took about six months to let go but we built things up, including a couple of overnight stays together, and now, I can't imagine life without EACH."

Since visiting the hospice, they have joined the hospice choir, and had the opportunity to perform for The Prince and Princess of Wales, an experience Sarah describes as "amazing."

Sarah with children Callum, Jacob, Amelia and Bobby (Image: EACH)

Bobby and Sarah with Jacob and Amelia (Image: EACH)

They have also had trips to Colchester Zoo, Christmas parties and the chance to watch Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

They also met footballers from the club just before Christmas, with Conor Chaplin arranging for a signed shirt to be sent to Bobby.

Sarah continued: "I've got so many memories and can safely say life would have been a lot harder without EACH."

Bobby and Sarah with members of the Ipswich Town squad before Christmas (Image: EACH)

Bobby with the signed Conor Chaplin Ipswich shirt (Image: EACH)

Sarah lives in Otley, and has three other children, Callum, 16, Jacob, seven and Amelia, six.

Bobby has various complex health issues, is on a ventilator 24 hours a day and relies on Optiflow, which is a high-flow nasal oxygen therapy device.

Despite his health conditions, Sarah says he is a real character.

She said: "I love his laugh, his smile and the way he looks at me sometimes.

Bobby Shemmings (Image: EACH)

"Bobby is a very special little boy.

"When you have children, they become your world and your complete focus.

"He's taught me so much about myself and, in terms of our journey, I'm so grateful for the support provided along the way by EACH.

"I feel a sense of relief every time I walk through the door."

Bobby Shemmings (Image: EACH)