A NUNEATON boy’s family said they are indebted to Zoe’s Place Hospice in Coventry.
Otis Brown suffered a major brain bleed shortly after he was born prematurely, leading doctors to fear he would not survive.
Otis developed complex epilepsy and cerebral palsy and had a feeding tube.
His parents, Terri-Ann and Joshua said: “As a family of six, we were beginning to struggle to make sure everyone else’s needs were being met.
“Balancing Otis’ intensive care requirements with the needs of his siblings became increasingly difficult.”
Zoe’s Place, which support young children who have complex illnesses and disabilities cared for Otis, giving his parents respite and his siblings more time with their parents.
Mum Terri-Ann said: “Knowing Otis was somewhere safe meant I could look after myself and give my other children some much-needed one-to-one time.
“Zoe’s also offered sibling support and parent support, such as reflexology, which is a big winner for me.
“Otis has so much fun when he’s at respite; whether it’s having music therapy or going on trips to meet alpacas and reptiles. He is always so excited to arrive.”
Otis is now three and goes to mainstream nursery, he had brain surgery earlier this year.
Zoe’s Place has a shortfall of £1.2million – it is being supported at the annual charity cycle ride The Starley Sportive.
Edward Hudson, business development manager at Deeley Group, said: “Zoe’s Place offers such a vital service to families in their darkest hour.
The respite care, in particular, really is a lifeline.
“We’re honoured to once again be supporting Zoe’s Place with some of the proceeds from this year’s Starley Sportive.”
More than 300 cyclists are set to take part in the event on Sunday, September 22, which will also raise cash for University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes.
