Zoo comes to hospice for Lorenzo’s 8th birthday
Pilgrims Hospices helped make one little boy’s birthday wish come true when a zoo experience was brought to his mum’s bedside.
Rosanna, who is receiving care at Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury, had hoped to take her son Lorenzo to the zoo for his 8th birthday on Sunday 15 February. Sadly, due to her poor health, a family day out wasn’t possible.
Instead, the hospice team decided to bring the zoo to them.
Lorenzo, his brother Luca (10), and cousin Mischa (2) gathered at the hospice alongside their dad Rob, grandparents Claire and Gero, aunties and uncles, and close family members from Herne Bay and Whitstable. The Pilgrims catering team prepared a lovely traditional birthday tea, complete with freshly made sandwiches, colourful jelly and a special birthday cake, creating a warm and joyful party atmosphere. Lorenzo excitedly opened presents, including dinosaurs, Lego and plenty of sweets – some of his favourite things.
To ensure Rosanna could be at the heart of the celebration, nurses carefully brought her bed into the hospice therapy centre, creating space for everyone to be together. After lunch, a special surprise arrived courtesy of Creepy Claws Animal Encounters in Teynham, who kindly volunteered their time to bring along a selection of fascinating creatures.
From reptiles to other “creepy crawlies”, the experience delighted the children – and Rosanna bravely joined in, holding the animals and sharing laughter with her family. Being able to take part together created precious memories at a time that matters most.
Rosanna’s husband Rob said:
“We can’t thank everyone enough for the special kindness we have been given here at Pilgrims. You have all been part of making Rosanna’s time here warm, comfortable and peaceful – not just for her, but for all of us.”
Claire, Rosanna’s mum, added:
“Thank you all so much; we now have a really precious memory for the family to share.”
Hospice Services Manager, Sam Churchyard, reflected:
“It’s wonderful to be able to help this lovely family share such a special moment. The team were so keen to make the birthday truly special, and everyone rallied together to make it happen. We’re so grateful to Creepy Claws Animal Encounters for bringing these fascinating creatures along for the family to enjoy.”
Shirley Clark, Marketing at Pilgrims, who photographed the day, said:
“It was a privilege to capture these moments for the family. Those natural smiles, the laughter and the little in-between moments will become treasured memories for years to come.”
At Pilgrims Hospices, care extends beyond clinical support – it’s about helping families live well together, right to the end, and creating moments of joy when they’re needed most.
