A DORSET boy has become the face of Children’s Hospice Week which runs until June 23.

It aims to raise awareness and funds for children’s hospice and palliative care services across the UK, and the seriously ill children and young people they support.

William, aged seven, who lives in Dorset with his mum Tania, dad Pete and little sister Eleanor, was born with the main arteries of his heart the wrong way round. He had open heart surgery at a week old which led to extensive brain damage and the onset of serious and uncontrolled epilepsy.

William and his family receive care and support from Julia’s House, the Dorset children’s hospice located in Corfe Mullen. He was chosen as the face of this year’s ‘Moments That Matter’ campaign from the 54 children’s hospices across the UK.

Emma Dixon, Communications Officer for Together for Short Lives, the charity behind the campaign said: “This Children’s Hospice Week we’re focusing on the moments that really matter to families, and the services that help create them. For us, William’s story showcases the best of children’s hospice care: bringing families together and wrapping them in a cocoon of care and support. Importantly, the lovely photos of his family and the care team also help us tackle some of the myths and misconceptions around children’s hospice care, showing that services like Julia’s House are warm, kind places offering a vital lifeline to families with a seriously ill child.”

William’s mum Tania explained how the support the family receives from Julia’s House has enabled them to enjoy special moments together: “Once a month we go somewhere as a family but William’s nurse and carer come along too. That way we can enjoy a lovely, relaxing day together as a family, knowing there are extra pairs of hands to help care for William. We’ve taken them swimming, for a walk in the woods – all different places … this time together is so precious.”

Julia’s House provides frequent respite and end-of-life care out and about in the local community and at its hospices in Corfe Mullen and Devizes. Every family is unique and so is the support Julia’s House provides, visiting families at home or taking children swimming or to Brownies. As well as caring for the child, Julia’s House supports parents and siblings, ensuring the whole family is looked after. Julia’s House is funded by the local community – only five per cent of the service is government-funded.