Welcome to Aggie's Burrow

Key Information

  • The PPBF’s second property
  • Opened in 2017
  • Fully furnished
  • 2 bedrooms (double and twin)
  • 1 bathroom
  • Opposite Southampton General Hospital
  • Next door to the Princess Anne Hospital

Key Information

  • The PPBF’s second property
  • Opened in 2017
  • Fully furnished
  • 2 bedrooms (double and twin)
  • 1 bathroom
  • Opposite Southampton General Hospital
  • Next door to the Princess Anne Hospital

The Story

Aggie Nicolle, daughter of Emma and Hubert Nicolle, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May 2014. This is a rare type of cancer, which develops in nerve cells, mostly affecting babies and children under the age of five. Aggie was four and a half years old when she received her diagnosis, after worrying symptoms began to appear. The Nicolle family, including Aggie’s sister Greta, spent a lot of time on the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton Children’s Hospital – an oncology and haematology centre, while she received specialist care. She went through chemotherapy and, subsequently, radiotherapy as the tumour found was still too large to operate. Devastatingly, Aggie passed away in February 2016 and is dearly missed by her loved ones.

Thanks to the fundraising of islanders through the ‘Buy-A-Brick’ campaign, supported by Investec, and a substantial gift from a Guernsey-based charitable trust set up by Jim Wilkinson and his late wife Peggy, a second property was officially acquired by the PPBF. In honour of Aggie’s bravery, the flat was called ‘Aggie’s Burrow’ to keep her memory alive. The charity’s compassionate housing allowed the Nicolle family to stay together as much as possible during regular trips to Southampton for Aggie’s treatment, which continued for two years. They remain wonderful supporters and have fundraised for the PPBF in lots of different ways.

The Impact

“When it got really bad, we were so close to her side. One morning, whilst Zara was really ill with her first infection, I got a call at 4.40am in the morning to come into the hospital, she’d been getting sicker over the last few days and apparently, she’d had a big desaturation and they were having troubles getting her back. The phone rang and I knew it was bad, as I was pulling on my clothes and I think I’d been expecting this moment for days and asked “is she dying?” and the person on the phone paused and so gently said “we don’t know. But you need to get here as quickly as you can, but please drive carefully”. And I remember saying, “I’m right next door” and I was by Zara’s bedside in 3 minutes.” – Alexis Morgan, mother of Zara who received life-saving care at the Princess Anne Hospital when she was born 4 months early.

“We were extremely lucky to be offered Aggie’s Burrow – one of the flats the PPBF runs next to Southampton Hospital to accommodate young babies or children going through battles. Having this compassionate home to live in not only improved our mental state but it made me feel some sort of strength. I got up in the morning, got in the shower, made a cup of tea and toast – just like I would do at home. I’d then walk over to the hospital for a CTG or to see Emelia on the Neonatal Unit once she was born, which would take me no longer than a minute.” – Keelan, mother of Emelia-Stella, who was born with an abdominal condition that required multiple surgeries.

“Ten days in Lochie was allowed to leave the hospital, as an out-patient, to live at the flat, she loved it as much as us. Having our own quiet space to go away and think after a long stressful day was a relief and gave us strength. To be able to spend time with Lochie in comfortable surroundings, away from the noise of the hospital, helped us try to keep everything as ‘normal’ as possible for her. We could cook meals and spend precious family time together. We never worried about having to find hotels when family came to visit. We were all together. Being able to leave the flat five minutes before a hospital appointment was perfect. Aggie’s Burrow made all that possible.” – Ellie, mother of Lochie, who stayed in Aggie’s Burrow for 11 months during treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

The Future

To keep all three of the PPBF’s flats up and running for Guernsey families with a premature baby or critically ill child, around £66,000 needs to be raised every year. These funds cover the running, maintenance and management of the properties, so that parents and their loved ones can stay completely free of charge. The PPBF receives no government funding, so it relies solely on the generosity of individuals and businesses. Each of the flats is around 100 steps from the entrance from Southampton Hospital and there is no other service like this available to islanders. They are private, fully equipped and lovingly decorated, offering a peaceful space during difficult times. If you, or anyone you know, would like to support the PPBF’s compassionate housing, you can Buy-A-Night or make a one-off donation here. All contributions are hugely appreciated.