Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen TV show to feature Claire House in a special episode this Saturday

Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen will feature Claire House Children’s Hospice in a special episode airing on ITV this Saturday (October 11).

The episode shines a light on Mowgli founder Nisha’s charitable work and includes the story of four-year-old Oliver Christie, who is supported by Claire House. 

It’s a heartfelt look at the difference Claire House makes every day to seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults, and their families, across Merseyside and beyond.

Oliver and his mum Amelia, along with some of the charity’s staff and a film crew, visited Nisha’s home in Wirral in September 2024. 

And Oliver, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, loved every minute of filming for the episode, especially meeting Nisha’s dogs, horses, goats, and chickens. 

Amelia, 34, who is from Norris Green and now lives in Formby, said:

“It was an honour to film with Nisha at her home. Nisha, all the crew and the animals were very welcoming.  

“It was so special to talk about all the great work that Claire House does and how we have been supported by Claire House since finding out about Oliver’s heart condition at the 20-week scan back in August 2020.     

“Oliver loved the filming experience. He wasn’t bothered about the cameras. He loved seeing all the animals, especially chasing the chickens! He had a smile on his face the whole time and he loved using his Makaton signs for the animals. He was even signing ‘horse’ to the horses!

“And I loved talking everything about Claire House and all the amazing work they do, from respite care and swimming in the hydrotherapy pool, to counselling for parents and family days for siblings.”

Oliver, who also has cerebral palsy, has already undergone four open-heart surgeries and spent much of his early life in and out of hospital. 

“He’s tube-fed, needs medication around the clock, and faces daily challenges, but he’s the happiest little boy you’ll ever meet,” said Amelia. “He’s always smiling, full of life, and brings joy to everyone around him. 

“Claire House has been our lifeline. From the beginning, they’ve supported us emotionally, medically, and practically.  We certainly would not be the family we are today without them.”

One of Amelia and husband Brian’s most special memories with Oliver was on their wedding day at The Vincent Hotel in Southport in June 2022. 

Amelia, who works for The Jockey Club, said:

“A member of the Claire House team cared for Oliver throughout the wedding day, so we could relax and enjoy every moment with our son, without having to worry about any of his medical needs. It meant the world to have him there, smiling in the photos, dancing with us, and being such a big part of the day.”

Every year, Oliver and his family attend The Mowgli Dog Show at Claremont Farm, which is in support of Claire House.

The charity has a full, 24/7 hospice in Wirral, a site in West Derby Liverpool offering groups, day care and counselling, and supports children and families at homes across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. 

Visit the Claire House website here and watch Oliver and Nisha on ITV on Saturday at 11.40am. 

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