We'd like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who kindly supported us at Christmas! We received a record-breaking £87,386 in donations to our Christmas Shine Appeal – helping to create a magical festive season for families caring for children with life-limiting conditions across Dorset and Wiltshire.
The total, raised through the generosity of individuals and businesses, is the highest amount ever received by our Christmas Appeal. It is equivalent to providing around eight weeks of hospice sessions where children with complex medical needs can have specialist care and play, while using our fantastic sensory room and other specialist equipment.
Throughout the festive period, the funds helped Julia’s House to ensure families could enjoy precious moments together at what is often an incredibly challenging time of year. Activities included sparkling Christmas craft and baking sessions, music and games, special sibling and parent social events, and a magical Santa’s Grotto where every child and sibling received donated gifts.
“This Christmas felt different”
Among the families supported by the appeal was five-year-old Skye Kotze, from Weymouth, who has an ultra-rare, life-limiting neurological condition. Skye lives with her parents, Sophie and Kyle, and big brothers Axel and Seth, and has been supported by Julia’s House since January 2024.
“This Christmas felt different,” said Sophie. “It felt like Skye really understood what was going on, and for the first time she was completely captured by the magic of it all. Seeing that was just brilliant.”
Skye had just one request for Santa – a side-by-side double pushchair for her dolls.
“On Christmas morning, she was in her absolute element. No other presents mattered,” said Sophie. “She put every doll she could find into that pushchair and walked around with it all day. She was so happy.”
After spending the last two Christmases fearing each one might be their last with Skye, the family chose to keep things simple this year.
“We spent the day in pyjamas, opening presents, playing, going for a walk with our dog, and just being together,” said Sophie. “It felt perfect.”
Ongoing challenges and hope
Once a confident, chatty toddler who loved to sing and dance, at three years old Skye lost her ability to walk, talk clearly and even hold her head up.
“We felt like we were gradually losing different parts of our little girl,” Sophie said.
After being told the family should prepare for the worst, Skye later responded unexpectedly well to specialist treatment – regaining speech, mobility and her joyful personality. But her future remains uncertain.
When Skye returned to school in January this year, new symptoms began to appear.
“She started to fall over without warning,” Sophie explained. “She’s getting wobbly again, and her muscle tightness has increased. It feels so raw and worrying, but we’re holding on to the fact that there are no other signs of decline.”
Despite this, Skye continues to thrive cognitively.
“She’s still absolutely got her performing spirit and is loving life,” said Sophie. “This time last year she couldn’t sing or dance. Now she tries to perform whenever she can. She doesn’t let any of this stop her.”
Throughout everything, Julia’s House has provided a constant source of support for their whole family.
“We went to the Santa’s Grotto event at Christmas, and it was really special – it feels like a home from home now,” said Sophie. “The nurses and carers are incredible at adapting to Skye’s needs and supporting us all. Having their support means everything.”
Charity appeal makes care possible
Julia’s House CEO, Martin Edwards, said the record-breaking response to the Shine Christmas Appeal would make a significant difference, but he stressed that ongoing support remains essential.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to our Christmas appeal and helped us reach this record amount,” he said. “Every pound raised allows us to bring joy and comfort for families like Skye’s at the times they need us most.
“It costs around £5 million each year to meet the rising cost of our specialist care services across Wiltshire and Dorset, and for that we rely almost entirely on donations from the public.
“Without these donations from the community, there would be no care team and there would be no Julia’s House. This is why it is so important that we must continue to raise vital funds this year, so that together we can always be the sunshine amid the storm for the most seriously ill children and their families.”
As Skye’s family looks ahead with hope, Sophie added, “We don’t know what the next year will bring, but we’re so grateful for another Christmas with Skye – full of magic and special moments together.”
Read more about Skye's story and other family stories at our Stories page >>
