But amid the heartbreak, one organisation stood out.
“Keech was the one place that truly listened. After being let down by almost everyone else, Keech made us feel seen, understood, and cared for—not just Mila, but our whole family.”
From arranging play sessions to helping Mila come home to die peacefully, Keech gave Nicola and her family dignity, choice, and comfort during the most difficult time of their lives. On Mila’s final day, the team were there – offering tea, support, and space. They made it possible for Mila to be surrounded by love in her final moments.
“They were there for the whole day before. Then we asked them to go, so we could call if we needed them. It gave us the space to just be with Mila and the reassurance of knowing help was just a phone call away.”
For Nicola, Keech’s care didn’t stop when Mila died. She now attends a Keech bereavement support group for mums—a safe space where tears, laughter, crafts and companionship help the healing.
“It’s the only place where we’re truly understood. Our grief doesn’t have an expiry date—and at Keech, they know that.”
“In the support group, mums who have lost a child find a space where their grief is seen, heard, and understood. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been able to speak freely without fear of judgment or needing to be strong for others. That shared understanding creates a lifeline in the darkest moments.” —Lesley Beaney Trainee Counsellor, Keech Hospice
Supporting Keech is now Nicola’s way of keeping Mila’s memory alive. Since Mila died in 2022, Nicola and her family have raised nearly £20,000 for Keech through skydives, Santa Runs, masquerade balls, family fun days and even the London Marathon – which Nicola completed just 24 hours after being in hospital with kidney stones.
“The doctors told me not to do it—but I was determined. I ran it for Mila.”
Nicola’s fundraising efforts continue, but she’s clear about one thing: you never truly understand how vital Keech is until you need them.
“If you’ve been supported by Keech, it means something has gone very wrong in your life. But they step in with love, dignity, and compassion when no one else can. I’ll never stop being grateful.”
Help fund our care
£11 could help a family meet and talk with others who also have a relative with a life-limiting condition, providing emotional support and shared understanding.
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