Shining a Spotlight on National Siblings Day

When Kerry and Tom’s son, Theo, was in Bristol Children’s Hospital they were acutely aware of the impact on his sister, Millie, and brother, Harry.

To support families, we fund family experiences, trips to local attractions, and access to our arts and play programmes not just for patients, but for siblings too.

This National Sibling Day, mum of three, Kerry, shares her experience of the difference it made to be seen, supported and remembered as a family during their challenging days.

When Theo was in hospital, our whole family had to adapt to a new way of living, one that none of us had been prepared for. For Millie and Harry their world was turned upside down. They rarely saw us, their routines disappeared and they carried worries far bigger than their years, never knowing if Theo would make it home.

When one of your children is seriously ill, all the focus naturally goes to them. But as parents, we saw how easily siblings can be forgotten. Even well-meaning people would tell us how brave and amazing Theo was, without thinking to ask how his siblings were.

Kerry, Theo, Millie and Harry’s Mum

What made such a difference was feeling that all our children mattered. Through The Grand Appeal and the support of the hospital, there was an inclusive approach that recognised our family as a whole. Millie and Harry weren’t just ‘siblings’ at the side of the journey, they were seen as individuals too.

From funded trips to the Bristol Hippodrome, to invitations to take part in the Great Bristol Run, they were given time that was just theirs. Time away from the hospital. Time to breathe. Time to feel like children again.

Siblings at a trip to Bristol Hippodrome, funded by The Grand Appeal Charity.

It was also the small, everyday details that meant so much. Activity packs, access to the Play Centre and play therapists who didn’t just focus on Theo but took the time to understand Millie and Harry’s likes and interests too. All those little things added up, helping keep everyone calmer during an incredibly difficult time.

Support wasn’t just about play either. Something as simple as a parent’s bed became a safe space where Millie and Harry could lie beside Theo, or even sleep themselves, so we didn’t have the added worry of getting them home for bedtime.

Kerry, Theo, Millie and Harry’s Mum

We were also offered counselling. While I was the one who took that support, it changed the way I was able to cope and, in turn, supported Millie and Harry too, helping me answer their questions honestly and reassure them when everything felt uncertain.

A family taking on Great Bristol Run for The Grand Appeal

Since leaving hospital, our family’s fondness for The Grand Appeal has stayed with us. It’s given us something positive to hold onto, not just a charity, but a community. Through invitations to special events and continued support, every one of our children has been reminded that they matter, and that even during the hardest chapter of our lives, they were never forgotten.”

Thank you to Kerry for sharing her story and helping us to remember that siblings are heroes in their own right.