Sadly Annabelle passed away in January 2024, aged 18 years old. Her family would like us to continue to share her story, so Annabelle can help raise awareness of Julia's House and the care we provide for families.  We are continuing to support Annabelle's brother, Robbie, and the Hover family. 


How Julia’s House is helping Annabelle, and now her brother Robbie through a devastating diagnosis.

17 year old Annabelle and her 10 year old brother Robbie have Juvenile Batten Disease – a degenerative and life-limiting neurological condition which leads to loss of vision and mobility, seizures and dementia. Symptoms typically begin to show around the age of six or seven and at some point during the teenage years seizures will increase, leading to a massive decline in the condition. Young people with Juvenile Batten Disease are generally expected to live to their late teens or early twenties.

When Annabelle’s deteriorating eyesight eventually led to her diagnosis, there was yet more devastating news for parents Lisa and Andy – they were told the genetic condition would also affect their youngest son, Robbie.