Elsie’s Story helps Derian House families make special memories at Chester Zoo
The Southport family behind charity Elsie’s Story helped 64 families supported by Derian House Children’s Hospice enjoy a special day out at Chester Zoo on Saturday (22 August).
Jenni Stancombe, who founded Elsie’s Story in memory of her daughter, Elsie Dot, said it was an “honour” and a “privilege” to help families spend the day together and make special memories in her daughter’s name.
The day was made possible by a grant from Elsie’s Story and was the first-ever group wish delivered through Derian Wishes, Derian House’s new service helping make special wishes come true for children and young people.
From cheeky monkeys and big cats to elephants and penguins, there was plenty to see as families explored the zoo, enjoyed treats and activities and spent precious time together.
18-month-old James and his sister Amelia, age five, had fun making lots of memories together, and especially enjoyed seeing the monkeys.
“Thank you so, so much for allowing us to come to this amazing day,” said James’s mum, Samantha Morgan.
“As a family, we struggle to go to some places because of James’s conditions. To go for a day out, just like any other family, and to see James enjoy it and be so happy, is the best feeling.
James also has a big sister, Amelia, so it’s hard for us to do things that suit both children. But the zoo is the perfect day out for us all to enjoy.
“Derian House is so amazing and we are so grateful for everything you do. We are so glad that we have a community of people who understand us and make our children feel special.”
Jenni Stancombe, Founder of Elsie’s Story, based in Southport, said: “Elsie’s Story was established following the loss of my little girl Elsie Dot. Ultimately, we create smiles to fill every page of Elsie’s story. Being able to send Derian House families to the zoo was absolutely brilliant. Walking around the park, we’ve seen families smiling, and that’s everything that our charity is about. I feel absolutely privileged that Elsie’s Story has been able to help. I think it’s an honour to be able to give these families the chance to enjoy a day out at the zoo and create some special memories together.”
The idea for the day out came from Bill Molloy, whose granddaughter Isabelle was cared for by Derian House before she sadly died in 2021, aged two.
Gill Rabbett, Wishmaker at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “It was wonderful to see so many of our families enjoying a day together at the zoo in our first-ever group Derian Wish. We are incredibly grateful to Elsie’s Story for helping make it happen.
“Through Derian Wishes, we want every child and young person in our care to have the chance to experience something truly meaningful to them, and we love that this has given so many families the opportunity to share a wish together. Days like this give families the chance to relax, have fun and make memories together, and that is something really special.”