Through Their Eyes shows Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green from the point of view of Charlie Gill and his close relationship with his older sibling Dylan.
It puts the audience directly into their tactile and sensory world and how being at the hospice has forged a special close sibling relationship.
Charlie does not use words to communicate, while Dylan provides the voiceover to emphasise the bond between them.
“Every child has a voice,” Haven House care director Aisling Kilbane said. “Sometimes we just need to find the right way to listen.
“Children at the hospice experience life through music, sensory exploration or meaningful connections — even youngsters who have complex needs.”
The film was premiered at this year’s Haven House fundraising ball with 300 celebrity guests at the London Marriott hotel on the Southbank, hosted by TV’s Ben Shephard.
The documentary shows the care and support that the hospice provides.
Haven House depends on well-wishers and public generosity to raise £6 million every year just to maintain its vital services.
The boys’ mum Ananda Gill said: “Haven House has been a lifeline to meet our changing needs. It allowed us to take Charlie home from hospital, keeping the family together.
“Therapies at the hospice have given him a place in a world that often doesn’t cater to his needs. Charlie comes to Haven House to live.”
The hospice creates space where children like Charlie can express themselves through laughter, touch, music and connection.
Through Their Eyes shows that “every child’s experience matters” and that ‘belonging’ can be felt in many ways.
The documentary, created by the Morever film company, embodies the experiences of the children who are cared for, showing how the hospice “lets children be children” — even when they have serious life-limiting illness.
