Our baby Lennon felt the sunshine thanks to Claire House hospice

Jessica Smout with Lennon
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A mum has spoken how a hospice helped her baby son walk in the sunshine, before he tragically died.

Uncle Callum Broad, was recently crowned winner of this year’s Claire House does Strictly contest after performing a touching routine in memory of his baby nephew Lennon.

Callum 33, lifted the glitterball trophy on Saturday, watched on by his proud sister Jessica Smout whose family was cared for by the children’s hospice.

Struggling to hold back the tears, Jessica celebrated his win after taking to the dancefloor herself to speak about what Claire House means to them.

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“At 20 weeks pregnant, we were given the devastating news our baby Lennon had a rare condition [Congenital diaphragmatic hernia] and were given heart-wrenching statistics of the chances of survival,” said Jessica.

“We eventually visited Claire House, hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst. Walking through the doors of Claire House was the best decision we ever made.

“There were specialist nurse consultants who supported us in processing and understanding Lennon’s diagnosis and play specialists who helped us to engage with Lennon, by reading books to him, playing with sensory light toys, which he loved, and making lifelong memories, alongside lots of personalised memorabilia, which we are now left with to treasure. Claire House visited us in hospital every week and very quickly became our lifeline.”

Callum Broad dancing in the Strictly contest in memory of Lennon
Callum Broad dancing in the Strictly contest in memory of Lennon

Jessica and husband Chris’s baby spent more than six months in Alder Hey before moving to Claire House to say goodbye.

“Claire House listened to everything we wanted,” says Jessica. “Lennon’s room was filled with his baby clothes, picture frames were filled with our family photos, his bed was filled with his teddies. Claire House even sourced a cot just like the one Lennon had spent his life in.

“We were able to have a Christening service for Lennon, which was just as you imagine a little boy’s beautiful Christening to be.

“We even managed to walk in the wonderful gardens, something that should have been impossible, they made possible. Lennon experienced the sun shining and the fresh air on his skin and I’ll always be so thankful for that.”

Callum Broad lifts the Strictly glitterball trophy after dancing in memory of Lennon
Callum Broad lifts the Strictly glitterball trophy after dancing in memory of Lennon

The family also used the hospice’s Butterfly suite, a private room where they could stay with Lennon until the day of his funeral, which Claire House helped to organise. Lennon passed away in my arms.

“Claire House held our hand and guided us through a situation we never thought we would find ourselves in,” says Jessica.

“We experienced our full journey with Claire House by our side. Many families are not so fortunate and sometimes navigate the worst times of their lives alone.

“Claire House is a sanctuary for us, and we continue to benefit from so many of their services. I couldn’t imagine where we’d be right now without the love, guidance, care and support they’ve given and continue to give us.”

Jessica Smout with husband Chris and Lennon
Jessica Smout with husband Chris and Lennon

It was this support – counselling, bereaved mum, dad and sibling support groups, and events like Memory Day – that inspired Callum to throw himself into rehearsing for the show in tribute to his nephew.

On Saturday night, accounts manager Callum performed an American Smooth Waltz alongside professional dance partner and 2023 champion Samantha Jones.

He says: “I chose to do this for Claire House because they’ve supported my family for the last six years.

“Claire House was there throughout the whole journey – the scans, Lennon’s time in hospital, and when he ended up at Claire House.

“They’ve given us so much, so it was time for me to give back. It’s been amazing, from start to finish. I woke up the next morning and wanted to do it all again.”

Baby Lennon
Baby Lennon

Callum from Wrexham was one of nine amateur dancers who took part in the contest at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel, together raising £72,000.

Event Fundraiser Rachel Handley said: “Claire House does Strictly just keeps getting better and better. All our dancers were incredible, and we can't thank them enough for their support and helping to raise such a fantastic amount.

“The money we raise at events such as Claire House does Strictly ensures the hospice can continue to be here for every local child and family that needs our support.

“It’s not possible to put events like this on without sponsorship from local businesses so we are so grateful to Chester Lodge and ChloBo. We also want to thank Headliners Dance School and their professional dancers, who work so hard to make this come together.”

For more about Claire House visit: www.clairehouse.org.uk Donate at www.justgiving.com/campaign/chstrictly24

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