Nothing can prepare you for the heartache of losing a child, but to watch that child suffer in unimaginable pain is perhaps an even greater cross to bear. In 2008, a brain tumour sadly took the life of my godson Louis Dundas. He was just four year years old at the time. Regretfully, for his family and all those that knew and loved him, Louis did not slip peacefully away as we had all hoped he might.

I am thankful to all the staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for their care and devotion to the children they look after and especially to the palliative care doctors and nurses for their tireless efforts with Louis and his family, both throughout his illness and after his death. However, his experience and the pain he suffered highlighted just how crucial research into paediatric palliative care and pain management is.

This is something we cannot ignore. Children are our future and we as their protectors have a duty to make their lives, and deaths where it is sadly the case, as comfortable as possible.

GOSH is an extraordinary place and I wholeheartedly support this appeal. The Louis Dundas Centre at GOSH is a palliative care centre where research and clinical practice combine to investigate the best palliative care practices possible for children. The centre means something positive can come out of Louis’ experience and it is an opportunity to ensure that one little boy’s suffering brings relief to millions. As a parent myself, I encourage everybody to give generously, in the name of Louis and all the children who have been taken from us too soon. Let’s help make the palliative care journey a less painful one for families in the future.

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