A SOUTHAMPTON mum has praised the work of Naomi House which helps care for her terminally ill daughter.

Emma Darroll-Brough, 44, gave birth to her daughter Logan-Ann 18 months ago.

From an early age Logan-Ann was diagnosed with both Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21), and a heart condition alongside respiratory and gastrointestinal problems – resulting in the need for complex nursing care.

The support from staff at Naomi House – a hospice for young children and adults who are not expected to live until adulthood – has been hailed as vital by Logan-Ann’s mum, as she said: “I was told that Logan-Ann had Down’s Syndrome early on in my pregnancy.

“Then after she was born, we found out that Logan-Ann also had respiratory and gastrointestinal problems which often come with the condition of Trisomy 21. 

“At five and a half months old her health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with chronic heart failure and pulmonary stenosis, which is a type of heart valve disease where the valve controlling the blood flow from the heart to the lungs is narrow and so the blood flow is affected. 

“As a result of this, Logan-Ann had to have surgery to try to improve the flow. 

“It was at this point that I was told that Logan-Ann would need palliative care and that Naomi House would be there if I wanted to use it.

“I decided to follow this up as I knew that Logan-Ann would have a lot of care needs and I would need additional support.”

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Emma added: “While I’m at Naomi House, it means I can actually breathe and let myself relax because I know that the staff are highly trained, so it’s not down to me to watch every little thing that Logan-Ann is doing.

“I can come to Naomi House and know that there is a warm greeting and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is full of joy.

“I get a happy feeling when I walk through the doors and it’s nice to hear all the sounds of the children playing.

“We have to take Logan-Ann’s health day by day as we don’t know how long we will have her for. She could be here today and then next week, she could have a massive deterioration.

“We’ve been told that she could be with us for two months or she could make it to 10 years.

“We try and treat every day as special and cram each one with making memories. Having the support of Naomi House means that Logan-Ann can have the care that she needs, and she can do things that we aren’t able to do at home.

“Children’s Hospices are vital and so incredibly important to children like Logan-Ann. But it’s not only about the children, but they’re also there to support the parents too.”