Parental Support

For parents staying in hospital with very sick children, the stress, loneliness, and desperation is often intolerable. Parents can remain in hospital for many months caring for their seriously ill child in hospital while struggling to support siblings and families at home.

In our designated Rosie's Rainbow Therapy Room at John Radcliffe Children's Hospital, parents can take time out to gather their strength. Parental support therapist Amanda Tibbels is a highly qualified and experienced aromatherapist. She nurtures parents with calming and restorative aromatherapy massage, lending a listening ear and support at what can be a stressful time. This unique service provides a crucial lifeline for parents. We believe that if parents are well supported and able to cope, they are better equipped to support their child.

  • "My son is 3 and has a muscular disease and it now appears that the pattern of every winter is that we go to the JR for a stint while he recovers from coughs etc – I have never had such a wonderful massage through Rosie’s Rainbow Fund – thank you VERY much.. A very welcome little rainbow during our recent stay. Thank you."

  • "After a very stressful hospital admission with my daughter, I was offered a massage with Amanda which was wonderful and timely. She gave me time to talk over the events and then choose some aromatherapy oils to blend for the massage. I left feeling uplifted and relieved of stress! Thank you."

  • "The past few weeks have been without doubt the hardest of my life. It was a huge surprise and delight to be offered a massage when I arrived at the hospital this morning and I really benefitted, not only from the massage itself, but the chance to discuss recent events with Amanda, who was lovely, and so understanding. Today I have felt more confident and positive than I have since [my son] was born and I am sure the brief respite I had today has played a huge part in that. "

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