After patients have died, Sydenham's St Christopher's Hospice continues to support their loved ones. Reporter SAMANTHA PAYNE finds out about the Candle Project ...

Two-and-a-half years after his dad died, seven-year-old Robert Stutter suddenly started worrying about his mother Sophie's health.

To some people this would sound irrational, but the trauma of his father's death was having a profound effect on the boy.

Robert's dad John died in December 2000 - eight months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Although Mr Stutter was looked after at home, the Lawrie Park Road hospice provided the family with much-needed support.

Mrs Stutter, 47, said: "I wanted to look after him as I knew what to do as I'm a nurse.

"But I used to ring the hospice for advice regularly for issues like drug dosage and when I didn't trust my own judgement.

"I'm glad it was there as I felt completely isolated."

Two-and-half years after her husband died, Mrs Stutter contacted the hospice to help Robert and he started attending the Candle Project.

The project, which was launched eight years ago, offers one-to-one or group counselling for any child or young person experiencing loss.

Mrs Stutter said: "Robert started getting very upset and began to worry about me dying and my health. That's when I contacted St Christopher's, who told me this was normal behaviour.

"He attended six, weekly sessions with a counsellor who helped him to talk about his worries and put his fears into perspective.

"It has helped him to discuss his feelings. I know if he wanted to go back to the hospice during his teenage years, he could.

"It's wonderful to have such a professional resource."

Mrs Stutter has also attended a group for young bereaved parents to help her deal with losing her husband of seven-and-a-half years.

"It's nice to know you are not the only person.

"There are so many people who do not have that experience. The hospice really does provide a valuable service."

Candle Project leader Frances Kraus said: "We have 250 referrals each year across south east London, who benefit from bereavement counselling.

"Children can feel very alone and often get excluded.

"Candle helps children in their grief through craft activities, such as drawing a picture, making a memory jar and by talking to them.

"We also offer children a range of group opportunities."

l St Christopher's was founded in 1967 by pioneer of palliative medicine Dame Cicely Saunders who died at the hospice on July 14, last year. On March 8, a service commemorating her life and work will be held at Westminster Abbey. Anyone wishing to attend should write to the Assistant Receiver General, Room 8, The Chapter Office, 20 Dean's Yard, Westminister Abbey, London, SW1 3PA.

THE FACTS ABOUT ST CHRISTOPHER'S HOSPICE

  • St Christopher's Hospice cares for 2,000 patients a year and their families in Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth and Southwark;
  • It looks after people with cancer and other illnesses, such as motor neurone disease;
  • Home nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and care for around 500 people in their own homes every day;
  • People are referred to St Christopher's via their GP, hospital doctor, district nurse, hospital or community palliative care team;
  • Its services include home care, in-patient care, and an out-patients' clinic;
  • All its services to patients and their families are free;
  • St Christopher's receives a third of its funding from the NHS. The hospice is dependent on voluntary funding.