This year I set myself the task of doing 40 nice things for turning 40 and recently took my teething and sad baby girl out to the shops in the hope that a bit of fresh air and a wander might cheer her up.  We went off for lunch in a cafe and an elderly gentleman sat on the table next to us and asked the waiter for a cup of tea and a tea cake.  Whilst we were sitting there I noticed my little Lucy staring at him and as I looked over he gave a great big gappy smile at her which made her face light up and laugh out loud.  Face pulling and giggling went on until the gentleman’s food arrived and although no words were exchanged I had a little heart warming feeling that these 2 strangers had made each others day.  

When I got up to pay at the counter I quietly asked if I could pay for the gentleman’s food and drink and told them to say thank you to him for making my pooly girl smile.
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Every year the Country gets involved in ‘Pay it Forward Day’ and I thought I would use the opportunity to do something good for others.  The idea is that everyone does 3 nice things for other people who will then go on to do 3 more nice things thus making the world a better place.

So myself and my son Sam got in the kitchen the night before and made lots of heart shaped lemon biscuits and then when he went to bed I wrapped them in little bags and attached ribbons and the thank you tags he made.  In the morning we took them to school and gave them to his teacher and teaching assistants who praised him for being so kind.

After school we bought a bright beautiful bunch of tulips and Sam gave them to an elderly lady in Wareham and told her to have a lovely day.  Our last good deed for the day was to give Nanny a box of chocolates for being so amazing.

‘Pay it Forward Day’ is held in April every year so why don’t you try and do something nice with the kids next year!
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Julia’s House is a very special children’s hospice in Corfe Mullen and I was fortunate enough to see for myself why this charity is dear to so many hearts. 

As part of my #40for40 challenge, myself and my baby Lucy went on a tour of the house with the lovely Tai and 2 of his colleagues.  Little Lucy loved our visit and although there were no children there at the time she had no problem making herself at home and playing with their toys.

Before we went on our tour I was given a little background on the hospice.  Julia Perks was a paediatric nurse and her dream was to develop a support network for children suffering with a life limiting illness and their families.  Sadly Julia died of cancer but her friend Mike Wise along with a small group of supporters began fundraising to make her dream of a dedicated hospice a reality.

I learnt that 60% of the care is given in the community and the staff love to assist with outings like bowling, swimming and trips to an ice cream parlour.

I think everyone in Dorset has heard of Julia’s House and from the minute you are welcomed through the door you understand why the children and their families enjoy their stay so much.  Wondering through the entrance there’s Jurassic themed sensory walls with big bright fish and turtles with their offspring swimming above your head!

We were led into a lovely play room which was full of wonderful things to touch, feel and play with.  We were told how much the children enjoy coming in and making lots of mess.  In the corner Lucy found a sensory room and she spent ages in there with the balls and sensory walls.

From here we were led upstairs where we were shown the bedrooms which are used for respite care.  Making the child feel as welcome and comfortable as possible seems to be a priority, with themed character bedding sets and games for the children to enjoy.  Not only are the furnishings child friendly but the beds and bathrooms are fully equipped to meet their needs. 

We were also shown into the garden which is amazing.  There’s musical instruments to play with, big bright bells hanging in the trees, a trampoline at ground level and lots more.

Back indoors we found a music room which Lucy adored and we were also shown the mermaid room which is given to families for a child’s end of life care.  It was in here that I had a lump in my throat and realised just how lucky I am to have 2 healthy children.  There’s a bedroom, living room, bathroom and separate courtyard for the family to use with the reassurance of having a care team on hand if needed.

Julia’s House offer up to 3 years post bereavement care and completely understand that siblings need help and advice as much as the parents.  Families are encouraged to make scrapbooks with family photos and talk about their lost loved one.

If you would like to read more about the services on offer or to volunteer, please visit Julia's House.

Thank you ever so much to the staff for taking the time to show me around and play with little Lucy.  We both had a wonderful visit and I hope you continue to raise loads for such a worthwhile charity.

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