This year's Little Star is Lottie, 19 month old daughter of Chelsea King & Ben Orr suffering from a brain tumor.

As the only children’s hospice in Northern Ireland, we support hundreds of families like Lottie's every year. With growing demand, your support matters more than ever.

For the final 17 weeks of pregnancy, they were warned that Lottie might not survive long after birth. It was during this time that Children’s Hospice was first mentioned.

“At the time, we didn’t really know what the Hospice did,” says Chelsea.“We just thought, ‘So our child’s going to die.’”

But after meeting Children’s Hospice Nurse Judith McKibben and visiting the Hospice, their understanding began to change.

“The nurse looks after Lottie, which allows you to get on with all the other tasks around the house. But she’ll also sit down and have a conversation with me and make sure I’m listened to.”

The support extends to Lily-Beth and Evie too. They have enjoyed sibling activities and the Hospice’s summer scheme, meeting other children who understand what it is like to have a brother or sister with additional needs.

For Chelsea, Horizon Tots has been particularly special.

“I’d been to other mums and tots groups with Lottie, but it just didn’t fit. I couldn’t get that bond with the other mums,” she says. “Then I found Horizon Tots, the Children’s Hospice sessions for parents and our little stars. Every time I came out, I felt full of adrenaline because I was connecting with mums who understood it.”

“This journey has definitely opened our eyes to the world. It has made us appreciate life.”

“The Children’s Hospice nurses do so much more than just look after your child,” adds Chelsea. “They support your whole family.

“The Hospice team have truly been our saving grace throughout this journey. The care, compassion and love they show our whole family means more than words could ever express.”