Bereaved dad's 'personal thank you' hospice film

Paul Woodward produced the film, inspired by his own experience at Derian House, where his son Kalel received care

A bereaved father's "personal thank you" documentary about an "incredible" children's hospice is set to be released worldwide.

The Little Things focuses on the work of Derian House in Chorley, sharing the stories of families, staff and volunteers there.

Paul Woodward produced the film, inspired by his own experience at the hospice, where his son Kalel received care for seven years until his death in 2019 at the age of 11.

"Seven years is more than just end-of-life care, it was seven years of incredible memories, special days, and moments I will never forget," he said.

Mr Woodward said Kalel "was an incredible little boy".

"Although he needed 24/7 care, couldn't speak, was nil by mouth, and was wheelchair-bound, his beautiful smile and love for life were unmatched," he said.

"In many ways, his personality, love, and hope are all part of this documentary.

The Little Things focuses on the work of Derian House in Chorley

He said: "Another parent at Derian House told me that this film is his legacy, I had never thought of it that way before, but now that it's been made, I find it a really comforting thought."

He said he wanted to thank the hospice for "everything they did for us".

"I think many believe a children's hospice is a cold, clinical place with sad children littering the corridors," he said.

"But the absolute truth is they are some of the warmest, most welcoming, and love-filled places you can imagine."

'Magical places'

He said he realised there was an opportunity "to help people understand this better" by opening up the doors in a documentary.

"So, in a nutshell, this documentary is my personal thank you to Derian House, but it has become so much more," he said.

"What they did for our family was so precious that I could make ten films for them and it still wouldn't be enough."

Mr Woodward said children's hospices were "magical places" where "staff go the extra mile without a second thought" and "provide respite from endless hospital visits and sleepless nights".

Steve Pemberton said the film is "deeply moving"

He said he hoped the film helped people open up about child loss and end-of-life care.

"When you have a seriously ill child, it can be an isolating and lonely experience and when they pass, it can be even harder because people don't want to upset you, so they avoid talking about your child altogether," he said.

"But the truth is, we love speaking about our children."

BAFTA-winning actor, Steve Pemberton, who was an executive producer on the project, said it was "a deeply moving documentary exploring the incredible work of children's hospices, beautifully filmed at Derian House".

"To support this project is an honour, and I'm sure the film will touch the hearts of families everywhere who have experienced hospice care," he said.

Karen Edwards OBE, chief executive officer at Derian House, said: "The response to the film so far has been overwhelming, and we hope it inspires more people to support children's hospices."