ITV’s Lucy Meacock highlights life-changing work of Claire House in Liverpool event

The ITV presenter opened up about her goddaughter’s story, shining a light on the essential work of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Presenter Lucy explained:

“One of the biggest honours of my entire life, because sadly I didn’t have children of my own, was when I was asked to be godmother to beautiful Lillian,”

“We were in Tresco, on holiday together, when Louise [Lillian’s mum] found out she was having a little girl. That was lovely and she was talking about names with Andrew (Lillian’s dad).”

Lillian was a beautiful girl, with gorgeous brown curly hair, beautiful eyes, and the loveliest smile, but she couldn’t walk or talk and was cared for by Claire House.

Devastatingly, Lillian was diagnosed with infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, at four-months-old.

Claire House supported the family, providing counselling and vital respite, and later bereavement support after Lillian died aged three.

Lucy, who spent an extraordinary 36 years on Granada Reports explained:

“Inevitably, because of my job, I’d heard so many wonderful things about Claire House. But I think it’s a completely different experience when you have a really close connection to it.

“There’s so many people who have lost children and have used Claire House. As Louise says, you think it’s going to be sad and sombre, but it’s a very uplifting place, because when you walk in you know you’re in a place of safety where people are looking after you, and it’s a family unit. And that’s very special.

“Whatever your background, whoever you are, your needs will be very similar in that situation. And of course, no one wants to be in that situation, but if you are, you really need someone to wrap you in a big warm blanket and comfort you. Liverpool is very good at that, that’s what Claire House does.”

Claire House, which has a full hospice in the Wirral and a Liverpool site, supports seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults.

Lucy was speaking at the charity’s afternoon tea event at Liverpool’s Liver Building. The event welcomed 156 guests, including Claire House founder Chris Cain and daughter Tracey, who all gathered to listen to Lillian’s mum, Louise Cracknell, bravely share her story.

The afternoon, hosted by Leanne Campbell, included a funny and frank Q+A with Lucy, who chatted about covering some of the region’s biggest stories and winning two Baftas with the Granada Reports team.

Event organiser Rachel Handley said:

“The Afternoon With Lucy Meacock was full of warmth, tears and laughter, from the standing ovation for Louise to Lucy taking part in a Q&A, which included a few stories that felt they were straight out of a Bridget Jones movie!

“Crucially, it was the first time we’d really shone the spotlight on our plans to develop our West Derby site into a fully-fledged hospice, offering respite care and Butterfly Suites – all the things that make a difference to families like Lillian’s.”