It was fantastic to welcome back Charlie Marshall – who was one of our first children’s hospice patients, and spent almost two decades under our care.

Charlie was born with a congenital heart defect which caused his right atrium and ventricle to be underdeveloped, which effectively meant he had half a heart. As a result, he underwent more than 20 operations as a child.

He was the third patient to be admitted to Andy’s children’s hospice and one of the longest serving, joining us for respite care at the weekends for a break from school and the hospital.

“In the beginning, I was here quite often, but once I started secondary school it was around every 12 weeks,” he said. “It was like an escape from normal life and taught me so much. It helped me grow as a person.

“The staff were always the biggest pull; they’ve always been top quality. They have fun with you and joke around, as well as providing the care you need.”

Charlie returned to the hospice with brother Lewis, to present a donation of more than £340 in memory of grandfather Dave.

“He always loved the hospice because of what it’s done for me. It meant a lot to him, so it felt right that we asked for donations for the hospice at his funeral.”

He also had a look around, and reunited with Chief Executive Michelle Rollinson – who was part of Charlie’s journey from the start.

“It’s crazy being back, it’s the first time since I left,” he continued. “I’ve been waiting to come and say goodbye, so it feels really special.

“The hospice means so much to me. Apart from my grandma’s house, it’s probably my favourite place in the world. I’ve done so much here; I’ve made friends, made memories. Every memory from here is good; the staff are so amazing. They’ve been like my second family.

“It’s also been great to see Michelle, she’s been here from the very beginning and is one of the main reasons I’ve got all the memories that I have. I’ll always be thankful for what she’s done, and what she’s still doing.”

He added: “I’m quite overwhelmed by how nice it is. It isn’t the hospice I know, because it’s changed so much, but I can still see how it used to be. And for the kids who come here today, it’s what they deserve it to be.

“A lot of people think of the hospice as a place where people go to die, but there are others, like me, who come through it.”

Michelle said it was “wonderful” to welcome Charlie back to the hospice, adding: “It’s certainly brought back lots of memories and fun times. There were plenty of water fights and shaving foam incidents – usually whilst I was in the office trying to work!

“It’s great to see Charlie looking so well, we’re really proud of him.”