To mark International Nurses Day, a children's hospice is welcoming customers to its Oxfordshire shops to fund its work.

Helen & Douglas House's will be holding a Summer Collection Preview Day on May 12 from 10am-4pm, aimed at funding a nurse like Ellen Neilson for a year.

Ms Nielson, who works at Helen & Douglas House, said: "It’s hard to believe it’s been 18 months since I joined the remarkable team at Helen & Douglas House.

"Before finding my place here, I was working at the John Radcliffe in the Paediatric Emergency Department.

"I have time to truly get to know each child as an individual and I have the privilege of prioritising comfort and building meaningful connections with my patients."

She explained what she enjoys most about her work, saying: "One day I will be having parties with children and their families with visits from animals and the next, I could be caring for a child at the very end of their life."

Speaking about what her job involves, she said: “A typical day at Helen & Douglas House is anything but typical.

"I will be allocated a child which could range anything from a child in for a supportive respite stay, a child who is unwell and in for symptom management or a child who is at the end of their life.

She added: "We regularly organise trips out of the hospice, such as visits to the local park or shops, providing opportunities for fresh air and social interaction within a supportive group setting."

Jenny Best's son, Nathan, has Prader-Willi syndrome and received care at the hospice from Ms Nielson.

Ms Best said: "When Nathan fell extremely ill in June 2023 the first call I made was to Helen & Douglas House.

"The nurses were there from day one. I couldn’t have done it without them."

Ms Nielson said: “After we heard Nathan was so unwell in intensive care, it really put into perspective for all of the care team just how vulnerable the children we care for are.

"Caring for Nathan remains incredibly fun and days with him at Helen & Douglas House reinforce just how lucky you are to work in such a place.

"Supporting his parents through the toughest time of their lives has been the upmost privilege, and I’m so pleased how much they trust us with their beloved son.”

Andrea Lambert at Helen & Douglas House said: "We would like to thank all our incredible nurses and nursing associates for their remarkable dedication, commitment and passion for caring and supporting local terminally ill children."