We are extremely excited to announce that Jess Grant Celebration is funding music therapy for teenagers and young adults at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
Almost three years ago, we started discussions with the team, having identified a need for music therapy for the older children, something that Jess was not able to receive when osteosarcoma relapsed. It was Jess' music therapy sessions with Clare Rosscornes that left such a powerful memory, and inspired us to want to help other children and young people receive the benefits of music therapy in Jess' memory.
Following a lot of hard work by the Addenbrooke's team, the music therapy service has been extended to include this age group, and Jess' charity has been able to support this. On Wednesday (18th March), Kevin and I were invited to visit the hospital by Clare. It really felt like Jess' charity had come full circle.
We are very grateful to Clare, Oli Swan (music therapist), Charlotte Reed and Helen Watson for making time to talk to us about the enormous difference our funding is having on this age range. We heard how Oli, who has been in post since November, is able to engage and connect with these patients through music. We were able to visit C9, the teenage and young adult ward, D2, the paediatric ward and C2, the paediatric oncology ward, where Jess was treated (first time back to that ward in over 8 years, but it was ok!). We heard about the patients that Oli has been helping:- newly diagnosed and in unfamiliar surroundings; patients who are very poorly and have been in hospital for a long time; patients receiving regular treatment in hospital; relapsed patients struggling with their mental health. Oli, who may look familiar to some of you who follow our posts, also mentioned that he now sees some patients at Addenbrooke's, who he provides sessions for at Ipswich Hospital, which is absolutely brilliant for continuity of care.
Speaking to staff on the wards, everyone we met had incredibly positive feedback. It's very rewarding for us to see what an enormous impact music therapy is making to teenagers and young adults at Addenbrooke's. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped us to fund this invaluable new post during its first year.
Anita and Kevin Grant,
Jess Grant Celebration
You can also read here about Jess Grant Celebration funding initiatives within Snape.
