Oxford hospice supports bereaved families by making songs for lost children
Michaela Middleton says its helped with grief after her son passed
A children’s hospice in Oxford has helped bereaved families create musical tributes for their children, with a series of songs now released as part of a unique project.
Helen & Douglas House worked with ten families to produce bespoke songs in memory of children they supported.
The tracks have been created through The Keepsake Circle project, part of the hospice’s bereavement support service.
Each family shared personal memories of their child, which were then transformed into original songs by musicians Kiki Deville and Angus Powell.
One of those involved was Michaela Middleton, from Bicester, whose son Finley died at age 14 in May 2023.
Her family’s connection with the hospice began when Finley was just over a year old.
“They’ve provided so much help and support for us,” she explained. “The word hospice really doesn’t do them any justice. You imagine something quite institutionalised, but Helen & Douglas House is completely the opposite. It became our second home.”
Finley, who had complex medical needs, visited the hospice regularly for respite care throughout his life, but Michaela said the help they gave went beyond Finley.
"They don’t just care for the child, they care for the family and all the siblings as well. They supported us while Finley was alive and they’ve continued that support after he passed away.”
The Keepsake Circle project, she said, has offered a powerful new way to remember her son.
“I never thought we could keep his legacy and his personality moving forward in a different way,” she said. “This is a whole different genre of remembrance and I’ve never come across anything like it.”
Michaela added that the upbeat song they produced for Finley reflects his personality.
“When he was well, he did everything at 100 miles an hour,” she said. “He was really cheeky, always smiling. It didn’t matter how awful things were, he always smiled.”
With the lyrics centred around experiences her family shared with Finley and things he loves, she said that the song has become a source of comfort.
“If I’m feeling low or I’ve had a stressful day, I can just put his song on. It recharges me. It’s forever — his sister can share it in the future, and it carries on.”
Families can listen to them on platforms including Spotify, iTunes and YouTube.
Michaela believes the initiative could help other bereaved families too.
“If parents can access something like this, they should. It’s such a brilliant way to celebrate and remember someone you love.”
Kiki Deville from The Keepsake Circle, who is a bereaved parent herself said: "It is an honour and a privilege to get to know these children through the memories of their wonderful families.
"We feel incredibly grateful to do what we do. This is my son Dexter’s legacy, and I feel very proud that I can keep his name alive in doing this work.”