(Pictured above) Mother Janine and her daughter, Leray
(Pictured above) Leray on a day out with Zest staff
Zest is St Elizabeth Hospice's service for young adults from 14 upwards who have incurable or life-limiting illness. Helping with the transition from children to adult hospice services, Zest focuses on living life positively.
Here, Janine explains how her daughter Leray has benefited from Zest.
"When Leray was at East Anglia's Children's Hospice, we were recommended to continue her care through Zest at St Elizabeth Hospice.
Since coming to Zest, Leray has greatly benefited from the services.
Through Zest, she has gained more independence through the short breaks and has been able to access a more sociable side of life. She always makes new friends whenever she comes here.
From my perspective, it gives me a rest and benefits the whole family. Doing her care is a 24 hour job so having Zest there means that Leray can enjoy the services and I can spend more time with her younger siblings.
People should support Zest because it enables those with additional needs to have independence, improve their confidence and social skills and vitally supports the entire family as well."