'Christmas is different now without Lzzy and it'll never be the same again'

FOR bereaved parents:- Amanda and Paul McEgan, Claire House Children's Hospice allowed their teenage daughter to just be herself, while providing clinical and emotional support. This Christmas, the family explains how Claire House was there for them and Isabel in her final months.

"Lzzy loved Christmas, she wanted to put the tree up, and we couldn't get any decorations down unless she was home," shares Dad Paul McEgan, 57.

"Lzzy was a happy, healthy girl. During her 1st year at the University of Liverpool, she was thrilled to land a role at Camp America for the summer. Before her trip, she began to experience pain and swelling in her jaw. The GP felt it was probably an infected wisdom tooth, needing a course of antibiotics. We all expected the pain to ease, but after arriving in the US it just kept getting worse." says Mum Amanda.

Izzy's camp leader took her to get checked out and during the scans they found a tumour.

"We found out Lzzy had cancer over a phone call. All you want to do is to comfort your child. But it was a couple of days until we could physically get to be with her again. It was traumatic." shares Amanda.

A full scan revealed cancer in Izzy's:- kidney, liver, adrenal glands, spine and pelvis. It was already stage 4 and incurable.

"Cancer brings helplessness. You're absolutely at the mercy of it." says Amanda.

"You're at your lowest point," shares Paul.

A family friend put in a referral to Claire House Children's Hospice for support.

"As soon as the team from Claire House arrived at our house, it was like friends had arrived and could share the burden with us," says Amanda, 54, from Prescot.

The charity supports seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales from its Wirral Hospice, Liverpool site and in the community.

"When I 1st met Izzy, she just blew me away. She was so humble and really didn't want to cause a fuss. Lzzy just wanted to live her life. And we wanted to make sure she could as much as possible." says Palliative Care Nurse Specialist, Laura Currie.

Laura and the Claire House team supported Lzzy with symptom management and helped with any concerns Amanda or Paul had.

"Laura explained how they aren't just there for seriously ill children, they support young adults up to the age of 19. Lzzy was only 19, still only on the cusp of adulthood. Laura talked to us about the specialist care and pain management they could offer Lzzy and how she could try hydrotherapy and complementary therapies at the Claire House site in West Derby, which she absolutely loved and found so beneficial for her pain tolerance during those last few months. As a parent, you want to make sure your children are happy and healthy, And when you have a cancer diagnosis, all the parenting skills you've built up over the years go out the window because you're no longer in control. To have Claire House explain what we needed, and support and guide us was not just important to Lzzy but important to us as a family." says Amanda.

"The team at Claire House didn't just see a diagnosis, they truly got to know Izzy," shares Paul, 57.

"Lzzy really loved drama. After she told Laura and the team that she loved Les Misérables but didn't think she would be well enough to go to the show, they arranged for the cast to meet Lzzy in the run up to Christmas. Lzzy was also invited as a guest to a performance of the show at the Liverpool Empire. Lzzy was very ill at the time, so we didn't know whether she would be able to go, but Claire House made it possible with targeted symptom relief and support. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a dream come true for Izzy." shares Amanda.

Lzzy enjoyed her last Christmas with her family and made some special lasting memories before she died in May 2020.

"Sadly, Lzzy deteriorated quickly in the last few weeks. When the time came, she wanted us there with her, but due to Covid restrictions we couldn't have done that in Hospital. "Claire House made it possible for us to be together. They provided palliative care that allowed Lzzy to stay at home in her own bed, and we were with her when she died. We couldn't have had that without Claire House and the end of life care they provided." shares Primary School Teacher Amanda.

Reflecting on what Christmas means now, Amanda said:- "Christmas is different now without Isabel and it will never be the same again. There will always be an empty seat at our table and although she's not there, she is always in our hearts. Isabel lived life to the fullest and made the most of every opportunity she could. We talk about Isabel all the time and she will still always be part of our family, at Christmas and all year."

To help families like Izzy's this Christmas, visit:- ClaireHouse.Org.UK.

Isabel, also known affectionately as Izzy, died aged 19 in May 2020, a week before her 20th Birthday.

Award Winning Chippy Continues Tradition of Free Christmas Day Lunch for Key Workers and the Community

PORTLANDS Fish and Chips is proudly celebrating its 2nd year of giving back on Christmas Day, as owner Mubinul Hoque and his dedicated team will once again open their doors on:- 25 December 2025, offering a:- 'free, hearty Christmas Day' meal to those who need it most.

As with the takeaway's 2024 event, Portlands aims to support:- NHS staff, carers, emergency, and key workers, older individuals, vulnerable members of the community, and anyone who may be spending Christmas alone.

Mubinul said:- "This Christmas, our mission remains the same; to bring people together. As Muslims, we do not celebrate Christmas, but we see this as a meaningful opportunity to support our neighbours and ensure no one feels forgotten. The community has embraced us since day one, and this is our way of giving back."

Since taking ownership in February 2023, Mubinul Hoque has revitalised Portlands with a refreshed menu, improved sustainability efforts, and a community 1st ethos. Giving back remains at the heart of the business, reflected in their continued charitable donations to local causes including the sponsorship of Nicosia Juniors U7 football team.

Mubinul told us that:- "This small gesture can make a huge difference to those in our community, Whether Christmas holds deep meaning for you or it is just another day, everyone is welcome at Portlands. If we can brighten someone's day or ease their loneliness, that is what truly matters."

Visitors can expect chippy favourites including:- chunky cod fish fingers, fish and chip barms, and free tea and coffee, all offered completely free of charge from Portlands, whose continued dedication to quality and community has once again been recognised with the:- 'Good Food Award for 2025/26,' highlighting the team's commitment to excellence and compassion.

Join Mubinul and the Portlands team this Christmas Day, from:- 11 am to 5 pm, for a warm meal, a hot drink, and the chance to share the day with others. Everyone is welcome.

The venue is located on Sefton Street, Liverpool (L85SN).

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