A FREE UK-based online discussion board has been launched for parents and families of children and teenagers who suffer from serious, incurable illnesses.

The forum, at www.thesophiestory.co.uk, has been created by the parents of a life-limited child, to help others in the same position. 

When she was three months old, Neil and Annette Patmore discovered that their daughter Sophie has a rare mitochondrial disease that she is extremely unlikely to recover from.

After many months in the Intensive Care Unit, with the support of CHASE, their local children’s hospice service, Sophie’s parents were able to take her home to enjoy her for what time they have.

This helped Neil to return to work as a web designer while Annette became Sophie’s full-time carer, and has given them opportunities to spend quality time together and to work on the website and forum.

Neil said: “We hope the forums will grow into a community where families can come for support, friendship and to seek advice.”

To find out more please visit www.thesophiestory.co.uk