‘We want to make every Christmas count with our miracle girl Sienna’

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but for Sienna Alfonso and her family the festive season is even more special. For the life-limiting condition she has means every celebration is precious.

“We never really know how many Christmases we’ll have with Sienna,” says mum Francesca, “so we want to make every Christmas count.”

Ten-year-old Sienna is the gorgeous girl who’s lit up this year’s Claire House Christmas Campaign.

The children’s hospice has launched its heartfelt appeal to raise vital funds to help the 115 seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults it cares for during Christmas and throughout the year.

Every donation made, no matter how small, not only makes this a magical season for those who need it most, it helps the Merseyside children’s hospice help the families who desperately rely on it throughout the year.

Families like Sienna’s.

Francesca knew there would be challenges. There were even fears she might not be born when, at five months’ pregnant, she and husband Kyle discovered their little girl had complex heart problems.

Sienna was born with ‘half a heart’. She has tricuspid atresia and pulmonary atresia, a congenital heart disease where there is no tricuspid valve. The absence of a right atrioventricular connection leads to a hypoplastic (undersized) or absent right ventricle (pumping chamber) which means it isn’t able to properly oxygenate the blood in the body.

And she went on to develop other serious medical conditions.

“Sienna is my little miracle. She’s the cheekiest little 10-year-old that you’ll ever meet,” says Francesca. “She can’t walk and she can’t talk, but her eyes and her smile always tell everyone exactly what she needs.

“She’s a very happy, cheeky, mischievous girl. And it breaks me every time I think of Sienna’s condition because she looks a bundle of health on the outside.

“Having a child who’s terminally ill is hard work,” adds Francesca.

“I can’t just ask anybody to look after my child for five minutes or to help me, because they don’t know what she needs in the same way.

“But Claire House gives me that relief.”

Sienna was referred to Claire House when she was seven years old, and the nurses at Claire House have become an extension of their family.

“Without them, I really don’t know what I would do,” admits Francesca. “Looking after a child who’s terminally ill and has heart failure, I have a lot of sleepless nights. I’m scared to close my eyes some nights as I fear the worst.

“Claire House is the only place where I can leave Sienna and not worry, because I know she’s receiving the very best care.”

Claire House has been there for Sienna and her family through happy and difficult times.

Last December, the hospice played a crucial role in bringing Christmas magic to the family.

“Like most 10-year-old kids, Sienna loves ripping open her presents on Christmas morning,” says Francesca. “She loves meeting Santa too, and she usually shows her cheeky side by pulling on his beard to check if it’s real. 

“But last year we were given a sudden and traumatic reminder that Sienna isn’t like most kids.

“Shortly before Christmas, Sienna went into stage three heart failure and, not for the first time, we thought we were going to lose her. Claire House was there to help me and Sienna’s dad through the ordeal. 

“One of the nurses regularly came to the hospital, to hold my hand and to give me a shoulder to cry on. 

“It was the worst of times.”

But once Sienna was out of danger Claire House supported Francesca and Kyle so they could take her home two days before Christmas and enjoy the time together.

Over the years, Claire House has been there to help the family make many treasured memories. 

“Claire House always makes sure that Sienna lives life to the full and that we get to make special memories along the way.

“Just before Sienna’s health deteriorated and she was admitted to hospital last year, we had a wonderful time at the Claire House Christmas party.

“All her favourite characters from Frozen, such as Elsa, were there. 

“They sang Christmas songs, including Sienna’s favourite, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And Santa arrived too, with gifts for all the kids. 

“Without Claire House, a lot of the memories we’ve made wouldn’t have been possible.”  

Brookside and The Royle Family actress Sue Johnston is supporting Claire House Christmas Campaign.

She says: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this year’s Claire House Christmas Campaign to help families who are facing tough times.

“It warms my heart to know that, together, we can bring some joy and smiles to children’s faces, not only at Christmas, but all year round.”

A donation to the Claire House Christmas Campaign can help the Merseyside children’s hospice to continue providing specialist nursing care to families like Sienna’s.

To give your support, go to www.clairehouse.org.uk.

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