ACTOR Martin Clunes is highlighting the valuable work of nurses at Wiltshire charity Julia’s House by backing their Fund a Nurse campaign.

The children’s hospice is hoping to raise £400,000, enough money to fund 12 nurses for a whole year, by sharing stories from nurses and families on its website to inspire fundraisers.

Martin Clunes, who is also a patron and a regular visitor to one of the charity’s hospices said: “Julia’s House nurses are amazing.

“I have witnessed first-hand the difference they make to families struggling to cope.

“In the hospice and out in the community, they are the trusted extra pair of skilled hands that not only provide patients with respite, but with the confidence to enjoy that time out knowing their previous child is getting the very best care.

Julia’s House looks after children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions many of whom are not expected to reach adulthood. It provides flexible, frequent respite care, both at home and in its bright and welcoming hospice.

Kayleigh, mum to Leo and Elliott, two boys with a rare metabolic disorder, said: “The only support we have is from Julia’s House and our lives have been transformed by it.

“Having experienced nurses doing the sits gives us the confidence to enjoy our freedom, knowing nothing is going to happen that they can’t handle.

"Julia’s House has made an unbelievable difference in how we are able to cope. Those breaks mean so much to us.”

Nurse Natalie Sheehy said: “Many people do not realise the level of stress these families are under.

“We’ll have a child at the hospice for six hours on a busy care session, feeding, playing, administering medication, monitoring.

“Imagine having to provide that intense level of care all the time, round the clock, day in, day out. It’s no wonder families reach breaking point without the right support.”

To read more stories or to donate, visit juliashouse.org/fundanurse.