Jewish couple raise £20,000 for hospice in memory of son

A Jewish couple in North London have helped raise more than £20,000 a children’s hospice in memory of their baby son, who was born with an incurable brain tumour.

Steven Brodie from Totteridge raised the money for Haven House, together with his wife Rachel, after he pledged to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Hyde Park on 9 October.

He will be running in memory of his son, Isaac, who was born in February, just after doctors realised he had a tumour on his brain stem.

After two weeks’ of care at University College London Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital, the family were told there was nothing else that could be done, and Isaac was transferred to Haven House, where Isaac had his ventilator removed.

“We were terrified but against all odds he fought for his life, and was able to breathe on his own for six whole days,” recalls Steven. “He was a true champion and extraordinarily brave.”

He added: “One of the most special gifts that the hospice gave us was the chance to take Isaac outside for a walk to the local coffee shop for the first time. We can’t emphasise enough how wonderful this was.”

They told Jewish News, they are members of Muswell Hill Synagogue “who were very supportive, they delivered food and offered support. Members are still in touch and rabbi Mason was there for both spiritual guidance and friendship.”

The couple added, that Camp Simcha were also very generous with there offers of support.

The hospice provided family accommodation, so the three of them could live together, ordering kosher food and all additional support, so Steven and Rachel could dedicate the time to Isaac.

“It was a privilege to support the family during this difficult time,” said care director Eileen White. “Rachel and Steven’s incredible fundraising will enable us to help other families who need our support.”

Steven added: “The most important gift of all was the confidence and ability they gave us to make sure our little soldier was comfortable and relaxed at all times during those difficult final days.

“We were able to spend Isaac’s last hours together, holding him close, singing to him, praying for him and making sure he knew he was loved more than anything as he made his ultimate journey.”

Support Rachel and Steven’s fundraising for Haven House by visiting their Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Isaac-Maxwell-Brodie