Registered charity number: 1086048
Jessie May is a charity that provides hospice at home care for terminally ill children in Bristol and the surrounding area.
Started by a family, for families, Jessie May provides nursing care at home for children and young people with life limiting conditions who are not expected to live beyond the age of 19. In this situation the whole family is under tremendous emotional and physical strain so the Jessie May team provides specialist care and support to help alleviate some of this pressure. That care is holistic, individual and family-centered, working closely with other professionals involved in supporting the family to ensure continuity. Most importantly, the support is provided in the comfort of the family’s own home whenever possible.
Chris and Philippa Purrington established the charity in 1994 following the death of their baby daughter Jessica May who was only 4½ months old. She died from a genetic condition known as severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy. While visiting relatives in Bristol, Jessica’s parents discovered that the support they had received back at home in High Wycombe – allowing them to care for their daughter at home – was not available to families in the Bristol area. They were determined to do what they could to enable other children with conditions like Jessica’s and their families to have support in their own homes and the choice to die at home when that time comes.
Since its launch the charity has supported over 300 children and their families in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, and Swindon & Wiltshire. Jessie May Nurses provide vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care and bereavement support, all at no charge to the families involved. The Trust also runs family events that help create treasured memories.
The charity is almost entirely reliant upon voluntary funding and that’s where you can help… with your old car! With that support, Jessie May can provide more children and families with the vital support they need.