Brian Whittle joined many of his fellow MSPs from across Scotland as they came together at a parliamentary reception to celebrate the work of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS – as it continues to ‘Keep The Joy Alive’ for children with a life-shortening condition.
Earlier that afternoon Brian spoke in a debate in the Scottish Parliament led by his colleague, Miles Briggs MSP, to highlight the impact CHAS makes to the families as it strives to reach every baby, child and young person with a life-shortening condition living in Scotland.
During the debate, MSPs from across the political parties spoke about their personal experiences and support of CHAS.
Brian spoke about his own experiences visiting the charity’s hospice near Loch Lomond and said:
“All deaths are tragic, but perhaps none more so than the death of someone who has not had much time to experience life.
Miles Briggs’s motion talks about CHAS’s mission of keeping the joy alive, and from my experience of visiting Robin House, I have seen how hard people work to bring joy to everyone who comes through the doors.
We talk about making people with life-shortening conditions comfortable in their final days. In most cases, that is about making someone physically comfortable: treating their symptoms and managing their pain. Sometimes, we do not think enough about the mental comfort of people with life-shortening conditions and their families. That is why CHAS’s mission to keep the joy alive is so important. When we are going through something painful, moments of joy and fun are at their most precious and can make the most difference, with that sense of hope and that little reminder that, even when things feel unendingly dark, there can still be light.”
Maria McGill, Chief Executive of CHAS, said:
“Three children a week die in Scotland from a life-shortening condition and CHAS is determined to be there for all of them. Knowing that your child, brother or sister will die young and may deteriorate at any moment is the hardest thing for a family. It is wonderful to have the support of so many MSPs who genuinely want to help and support those families.”
For over 25 years, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS – has been caring for families and their babies, children and young people by offering palliative care, family respite and support. CHAS now works across its two national hospices in Kinross and Balloch, in children’s homes in every local part of Scotland, and in hospitals where CHAS teams works alongside NHS colleagues.
