Children's Hospice Week 2025 - Chelsea Robson

This Children’s Hospice Week, we’re celebrating our incredible families and the children we care for! Meet Chelsea Robson and her son Hayden. Hayden is one of our special Rebecca House children, but we have also helped before with Chelsea’s son Kai.

First we asked Hayden about his time with us…

What’s your favourite thing about Rebecca House?
“Playing in the messy room with the nurses & lots of fishing”

How do you feel when you come to Rebecca House?
“I feel happy & excited”

What's the best day you've had at Rebecca House?
“When I went on a trip with my sisters to the wildlife park. I saw animals & my sister let me see my favourite penguins be fed.”

Next, we spoke to Chelsea...

Tell us about your experience with Rebecca House?
“Walking through the doors of a hospice might seem daunting to many, but with Rebecca House, it’s the complete opposite. It feels like a breath of fresh air. From the moment you arrive, both you and your child are truly seen, heard, and understood. We’ve been fortunate to build such a close relationship with the team that every nurse who cares for Hayden now feels like a part of our family. From our very first meeting, we felt welcomed and supported. Over the years, Rebecca House has consistently gone above and beyond in their care for Hayden. Even during difficult times, they’ve created a space that is both positive and calming. They’ve taken the time to truly understand Hayden’s unique needs, his challenges, and his interests. 
Rebecca House has held a special place in my heart since 2013. That year, my son Kai passed away at just six months old due to SIDS. I never even knew services like Rebecca House existed, but the love and care they provided then—and continue to provide now—has left a lasting impact. I’ll always be grateful for the compassion both of my boys have received.”

How do you find the Rebecca House service beneficial? 
“Parenting a child with complex medical needs is both physically and emotionally demanding. Without the support of Rebecca House, I would be completely burnt out. Hayden requires constant care—day and night—and knowing that he is safe and so well cared for allows me to rest without worry.  Rebecca House is the only place Hayden has ever stayed overnight, and the only place we fully trust with his care. Their presence gives us the opportunity to simply be ourselves again, even if only for a short while. It’s a chance to recharge and reconnect—not just as parents, but as individuals and as a couple.”

What support does the Rebecca House team provide to you? 
“The support we receive is truly holistic. Emotionally, knowing the team is just a message away offers incredible reassurance. They’ve helped arrange referrals that have been vital in better understanding Hayden’s needs. Personally, I’ve been lucky to receive aromatherapy massages through the hospice—something I never imagined I’d experience. These moments of calm have helped relieve stress and tension that builds up over time. The parent sessions are another lifeline. Being a medical parent can feel incredibly isolating, but connecting with others who truly understand makes a world of difference. It reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.”

How would you feel if Rebecca House wasn’t around to support you?
“Without a doubt, it would be a devastating loss. Hayden adores every member of the team—you’ve become such an important part of his life. For myself and Hayden’s dad, it would be an enormous struggle. Rebecca House has not only supported our son, but it’s given us as a family a better quality of life. You have been our lifeline—providing us with moments of relief, joy, and hope when we needed them most.”