A FAMILY are able to remember their son during the festive season thanks to an initiative from the hospice where he received end-of-life care.
The Johnson family's world was perfect when their son, Alfie, was born, wriggling and kicking with his dad, Paul, saying he was destined to be a footballer.
However, Alfie suffered a seizure and had suffered permanent brain damage during labour.
He was later diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, a term for a brain injury that happens when it does not receive enough blood or oxygen during birth.
Six years later, the family visited Acorns Children’s Hospice for the first time.
Paul said: “We’d been aware of Acorns for many years, but it isn’t what people expect. Hospices aren’t just a place for people to die, they’re very much a place for people to live.”
He added: “When I walked through the doors of Acorns, everything was bright, people were so friendly, and nothing was too much trouble.
"For the first time in our lives, we were able to leave Alfie in the care of someone else. They were a saviour to us.
“They put us at ease very quickly, and the staff were amazing - and they still are.”
Alfie had regular stays at Acorns, and his family have "very happy memories" of their visits, taking part in many joyful activities, including Christmas-themed events.
“We had very special times for many years at Acorns,” Paul said. “Although Alfie couldn’t talk, you knew exactly how he was feeling.
"When he was happy, he had a big, beautiful smile.
“He was a wonderful character, and in between the difficult moments, he brought a lot of joy to a lot of people, and he was smart too.”
Just days after Alfie’s 16th birthday, he became critically ill, and he was transferred to Acorns for end-of-life care.
After his death, Alfie’s memory has continued to live on with a JustGiving page, and through the charity that family and friends had earlier set up in his name in 2009 called the Friends of Alfie Johnson. Together, the family has raised more than £38,000 for Acorns.
This Christmas, the family will continue to remember Alfie’s bright shining light through Acorns Celebrate Your Star, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell.
The family is telling their story and remembering Alfie’s life as part of the moving campaign, which invites people to pay tribute to much-missed family members by dedicating a star in their memory and making a donation towards the charity’s vital care for seriously ill children.
In return, a beautiful star keepsake will be sent to their home, and another was hung on trees at special festive events across the region, which took place earlier in December.
Ben Gilchrist, In Memory Manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “By dedicating a star, you will help give the children and families who use Acorns invaluable memories throughout the festive season and into the New Year, and to keep forever.”
He added: “Together, our galaxy of stars will help give the children and families who use Acorns magical moments throughout Christmas and into 2026. When you choose to Celebrate Your Star, your gift will be a light in the darkness.”
For further details about Celebrate Your Star and how you can celebrate the memory of a loved one visit www.acorns.org.uk/star
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