DURING the first three years of his life, a Hatfield boy needed three stages of open heart surgery in order to survive.

The first of these was done when little Charley Gavin was just four days old.

Now four-years-old, Charley has so far responded well to his most recent surgery and medication.

His mum Kerry and his dad Richard are praising the vital work of Keech Children’s Hospice, during Children’s Hospice Week, which started Saturday and runs until May 22, and how it’s made them feel “normal again”.

Kerry said: “It’s so calm and relaxing there and you feel like you’re far away from everything, including any problems you might have at home.

“Keech has been an absolute godsend for us. Before we were referred to the hospice we felt very alone but not any more.

“If we didn’t have this support it would be a big loss.”

The family often take advantage of Keech’s services.

Charley enjoys the hydrotherapy pool with his older brother Bradley, music therapy sessions and the Tots and Toys play group, as well as benefiting from home visits.

The family stay overnight with Charley, which gives them a break while the nurses look after him.

Kerry especially appreciates the control she has and enjoys helping the nurses instead of being completely dependent.

“It has made a big difference to our lives just to know there are all these people who understand what we’re going through – all the staff at Keech, our community nurse and the other families we’ve met.”