There are about 2,000 children in Western Australia living with a life-limiting medical condition and every day their families are enduring unimaginable challenges.
Once open, WA’s first children’s hospice Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) will support these families, offering connection in a comfortable and nurturing home-away-from-home for specialist respite and end-of-life care.
Construction of the purpose-built hospice recently reached a milestone after the first two concrete slabs forming the foundation of the basement were poured.
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) has long-held the vision of a sanctuary where families can create precious memories together and feel supported while receiving hospital-quality care.
In addition to the complex navigation of the medical system, families face the constant heartache of not knowing if today will be their last with their precious child.
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children’s Hospice will provide a safe haven for high-quality care and supportive services.
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children’s Hospice will be WA's first hospice specifically for children and their families.
Fleur’s story
Fleur Bakker was a spirited 12-year-old with her whole life ahead of her, until one day she collapsed and was in serious pain. Her family rushed her to hospital and soon discovered she had an aggressive type of brain cancer.
After multiple emergency brain surgeries at Perth Children’s Hospital, Fleur barely survived; she had severe brain damage, paralysis of the right side of her body and was facing a long road to recovery.
Fleur’s mother Miranda Bakker said her daughter defied all odds.
“Three days became three weeks, three weeks became three months and she worked herself up to a healthy child again,” she said.
“We are really thankful from the bottom of our heart that even though our daughter couldn’t make it, a lot of other people will benefit from this.” Fleur's mother Miranda Bakker
Unfortunately, Fleur’s cancer had spread and stopped responding to treatment, and in 2022, she sadly passed away.
Her family said she was looking forward to the opening of the hospice.
“Fleur loved the beach, this was one of her happy places,” Ms Bakker said.
“We went quite often to see the beach, making sandcastles, so the name (of the hospice) is amazing for us. To see that it’s being built close to the beach was a dream for her and it’s finally happening.”
Fleur Bakker (centre) with her family.
“If you have a place like this and you can do that with your family all together, it’s amazing. It’s a dream come true for a lot of families in difficult situations,” Ms Bakker said.
“We are really thankful from the bottom of our heart that even though our daughter couldn’t make it, a lot of other people will benefit from this.”
Fleur’s father Michael Bakker added that the hospice would need to be enjoyable and comfortable.
“Not every family has the facilities or the accommodation to actually do the final days and the final weeks at home,” he said.
“They need to be surrounded by friends and family, which is hard to get into a hospital and a hospice is a much better place to accommodate it.”
You can hear more from Fleur's parents about the positive impact Sandcastles will have for families here.
Trading for a lasting impact
The build and fit-out of Sandcastles Children’s Hospice will cost more than $37 million, much of which has already been raised by PCHF from generous donors and supporters.
Further fundraising is required to meet rising construction costs and ultimately complete the project.
This year marks PCHF’s seventh year as a beneficiary of Euroz Hartleys' Commission for a Cause Day, an annual occasion on which the Perth-based stockbroking and wealth management firm donates 100 per cent of its brokerage commissions from the day’s trading equally between three charities.
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children's Hospice is currently under construction.
For another year, PCHF will be one of the recipients of the funding raised during Euroz Hartleys’ Commission for a Cause Day, taking place on June 13.
The money donated through this event will contribute to the construction of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children’s Hospice, which includes seven single-guest bedrooms, three family suites and a bereavement suite.
PCHF chief executive Carrick Robinson said the children’s hospice will be a welcoming haven for some of WA’s sickest children and their families.
“We’re deeply grateful to Euroz Hartleys for their generous support through Commission for a Cause, which will help us build a truly special place of respite, connection and care for those going through an incredibly difficult journey,” Mr Robinson said.
“Trades made on the day will make a real and lasting impact on generations of WA families experiencing the heartache and anguish of a child with a life-limiting condition.”
Euroz Hartleys executive chairman Andrew McKenzie said the event created an “incredible buzz” when trading kicks off at 8.00am
“Many of our institutional clients plan their trades specifically for this day knowing that their activity will directly benefit local organisations doing vital work,” Mr McKenzie said.
By Hearts and Minds
