A film featuring families from Greater Manchester who receive respite care and support from Francis House Children’s Hospice, had its first screening recently at a Hollywood themed ball held at The Mere Resort and Spa, near Cheshire.

More than five hundred guests attended the black tie fundraiser, which annually raises more than £100k, and were the first to view the moving film produced by Manchester based Doodledo Motion.

One family who feature are the Brookshaw’s from Ashton-Under-Lyne.

Mum Andrea, emotionally describes the morning almost four years ago, when the eldest of her three daughters Isabel, awoke in a critical condition.

“Isabel was fine up to being seven-years-old. A normal kid going to primary school and just about to do her Sats in year 2. She just woke up one morning and couldn’t breathe, couldn’t talk, couldn’t move,” said Andrea. “She went to A&E and was put on a ventilator for 16 days.”

Although no formal diagnosis was given, it was suspected that Isabel had suffered a serious inflammation of the brain. She remained in hospital on a rehabilitation ward for 6 months with Andrea by her bedside.

“I remember one day they turned up with a wheelchair for her. I just thought it was for while she was in hospital, I had no idea it would be a long-term thing.”

In spite of their desperate need, many families find it difficult to accept that their child could be eligible for the help and support from their local children’s hospice