A heart-wrenching story of a mother saying goodbye to her baby at just six months old has been shared. Lennon Smout, born in June 2018, was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and spent his entire life at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. His mother, Jessica Smout, from Wrexham, was given devastating news during a 12-week scan that Lennon would face a “potentially life-threatening” condition. The family faced difficult odds as Lennon fought for survival in the hospital.
Jessica, along with her husband Chris and Jessica’s mum, lived at Alder Hey to be by Lennon’s side as much as possible. During this time, they received support from Claire House, which played a crucial role in providing them with comfort and care. Sadly, Lennon passed away in Jessica’s arms in December 2018 at Claire House. Jessica spoke of how important Claire House was in their lives, offering specialized care and emotional support to the family.
In a touching tribute to Lennon, Jessica’s brother Callum participated in a charity Strictly Come Dancing event for Claire House, where he danced his way to victory and raised funds for the hospice. The event raised an impressive £72,000, with Callum expressing his gratitude towards Claire House for their support during Lennon’s journey. The hospice continues to provide invaluable services to families in need, including counselling and support groups for bereaved parents.
The fundraiser saw amateur dancers coming together to support Claire House and its vital services. Callum’s involvement in the event was not only a way to remember his nephew but also a gesture of appreciation for the care and support provided by Claire House. The generosity and community spirit shown during the fundraiser highlight the impact of organisations like Claire House in supporting families through difficult times.
The unwavering support from Claire House and the community has helped the Smout family navigate their grief and honour Lennon’s memory. Their journey serves as a reminder of the importance of compassionate care and the strength that families can find in coming together during times of hardship. Claire House’s dedication to providing comfort and support to families facing loss continues to make a difference in the lives of many, offering a source of hope and healing in challenging circumstances.