My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking as we sat Ellis’ brother and sister down on the sofa. We were about to tell them that, in the next few days, their big brother was going to leave us—to go to heaven forever.
As a parent, I have never felt so helpless. We were about to shatter their world, and yet we had no choice. Time was running out.
Ellis’ diagnosis, five years earlier, had changed our lives forever. But every day we had with him was a good day—precious beyond words.
We’d tried so hard to prepare our children for this moment. We’d worked to make them strong, to give them tools to cope. But nothing can prepare you for this kind of pain. Nothing can soften the blow.
We watched as Will crumpled. It was heartbreaking—horrific. Our hearts were torn apart, again.
All the way through, we received support for Ellis. But in that moment, I realised something: there isn’t enough support for siblings. They are the ones who have to live with the pain every single day. Their grief is quiet, often overlooked, but it runs deep.
William was there for his big brother until the very end. His love never wavered. But his pain is endless.
Like us, he’s trying to find his way through this new world without Ellis. And sometimes, what he needs most is just a little bit of fun—to laugh, to play, to feel like a kid again. We kindly ask that you support us to ensure these children live the life they deserve.
