The mother of a three-year-old girl being cared for by a local hospice has described the care her daughter receives as “incredible”.

Elsie, from Enfield, has had chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant to treat leukaemia, and also has Down’s syndrome.

She receives home care from Noah’s Ark Hospice – which this month is appealing for more people who need carers and volunteers, to allow them to help more young children like Elsie.

Elsie’s mother Helen said Jules Adams, a Noah’s Ark Specialist Carer, started coming to see them when her daughter first made it home in November 2015, and has made their lives manageable.

“We were aware that going home after a transplant was going to be extremely difficult. So much was expected of us to support Elsie’s recovery at home when she was still in an exceptionally fragile condition.

“In the early days, Elsie had a tube in her nose which she kept on pulling out, she required continuous feeding via this tube and was constantly attached to a liquid feed.

“This had to be carried around with her throughout the day. When Elsie moved, you had to move too, so you needed to watch her the whole time.”

Helen said when Jules arrives, he takes total charge and will not let her do anything that he could do instead.

She said: “He comes in and says ‘Right, it’s Elsie time!’ and he gets right down to Elsie’s level. Their favourite thing at the moment is doing the ‘Bunny Song’ just before he leaves.

“We’ve been very isolated because of Elsie’s immune system, so Jules is also here for us; for a little banter, for allowing us to get out of the house, and for carrying some of the load.

“Elsie revels in the undivided attention, stimulation and care Jules can give her that we’re sometimes too exhausted to provide.

“Elsie is completely comfortable with Jules’ lovely character - we’re so grateful. We can’t express enough the positive impact this has had on Elsie’s recovery and development, as well as on us as a family at this difficult time.”

To mark Children’s Hospice Week, which runs from May 23 to 29, Noah’s Ark are appealing for any families who need their support to get in touch, or pass on their details to someone in need.

Noah’s Ark director of income generation Alison Goodman said often when families are busy keeping up with medical appointments and family life, it can be hard to know where to start.

She said: “Our families will tell you that at Noah’s Ark, ‘hospice’ is not a sad word, as many might otherwise think.

“It’s about creating a lot of smiles – for our children who enjoy their time with our team, and for parents whom we can provide a break and a helping hand to.

“I’d like to thank in advance all our committed supporters for their generosity, which enables us to continue our important work in the community.”

For more information on Noah’s Ark Hospice, call 0208 449 8877 or visiting www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk.