Zebby’s story - Keech Hospice
Source: https://keech.org.uk/stories/zebbys-story
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Zebby’s story - Keech Hospice
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Zebby’s story
Zebby’s story
“In my experience, dads often feel invisible, but Keech has made me feel seen and heard.” Michael, Zebby’s dad
A Father’s journey
I’m Michael, dad to my two-year-old son, Zebulan. I always imagined being a stay-at-home dad, and when Covid hit, I got to live that dream, caring for our two little ones. My wife, Jordan, and I were thrilled to discover we were expecting our third child. But our excitement quickly turned to fear when, at a routine scan, doctors discovered our baby boy had a serious heart condition called TAPVD, with little chance of survival.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
When Zebby was born via c-section, he was immediately whisked away for emergency care. I was torn—my wife recovering in one hospital, and my newborn son fighting for his life in another. In those weeks, Zebby underwent multiple surgeries, including heart and brain operations. I was doing everything I could to support my family, but I felt invisible, like my needs didn’t matter. The weight of it all was crushing.
Keech isn’t just a place; it’s a sanctuary where my family can make memories and find the support we desperately needed.
Michael, Zebby’s dad
A Beacon of Hope: Keech
When we were referred to Keech Hospice, the word “hospice” scared me. But I quickly learned Keech is a place for life, not just for the end. It became our sanctuary—a space where we could be together as a family, where I could finally breathe.
Zebby loves it at Keech. We attend play sessions, daycare, and even have overnight stays. It’s hard for me to let go, but knowing he’s safe gives me peace. The Keech team supports all of us, not just Zebby or Jordan, but me too. They make sure I feel heard, valued, and included. Meeting other dads who get it has been a lifeline, and having a space to share my feelings has been transformative.
Could you fund an hour of care this year?
70% of our funding comes from people like you.
Your gift brings choice, comfort, and expert care to patients and their loved ones when they need it most.
£55 funds one hour of specialist care in our in-patient unit.
Every donation makes a real difference — could you help today?
Make a donation today
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Home
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Story
»
Zebby’s story
Zebby’s story
“In my experience, dads often feel invisible, but Keech has made me feel seen and heard.” Michael, Zebby’s dad
A Father’s journey
I’m Michael, dad to my two-year-old son, Zebulan. I always imagined being a stay-at-home dad, and when Covid hit, I got to live that dream, caring for our two little ones. My wife, Jordan, and I were thrilled to discover we were expecting our third child. But our excitement quickly turned to fear when, at a routine scan, doctors discovered our baby boy had a serious heart condition called TAPVD, with little chance of survival.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
When Zebby was born via c-section, he was immediately whisked away for emergency care. I was torn—my wife recovering in one hospital, and my newborn son fighting for his life in another. In those weeks, Zebby underwent multiple surgeries, including heart and brain operations. I was doing everything I could to support my family, but I felt invisible, like my needs didn’t matter. The weight of it all was crushing.
Keech isn’t just a place; it’s a sanctuary where my family can make memories and find the support we desperately needed.
Michael, Zebby’s dad
A Beacon of Hope: Keech
When we were referred to Keech Hospice, the word “hospice” scared me. But I quickly learned Keech is a place for life, not just for the end. It became our sanctuary—a space where we could be together as a family, where I could finally breathe.
Zebby loves it at Keech. We attend play sessions, daycare, and even have overnight stays. It’s hard for me to let go, but knowing he’s safe gives me peace. The Keech team supports all of us, not just Zebby or Jordan, but me too. They make sure I feel heard, valued, and included. Meeting other dads who get it has been a lifeline, and having a space to share my feelings has been transformative.
Could you fund an hour of care this year?
70% of our funding comes from people like you.
Your gift brings choice, comfort, and expert care to patients and their loved ones when they need it most.
£55 funds one hour of specialist care in our in-patient unit.
Every donation makes a real difference — could you help today?
Make a donation today
Related content
Kevin’s story
Alan and Marian’s story
Kirsty’s story
Sammi’s story
Stephen’s story
Dave’s story
Evelyn’s story
Lily’s story
Nicola’s story
Joyce’s story
David and Gloria’s story
Mark’s story
Sonia’s story
Carole’s story
Katie’s Story
John’s Story
Breanna’s Story
David’s Story
Heather and Martin’s story
Robin’s story
Amelia’s Story
Stay in touch
Sign up to discover more about our work and how we can support you
Sign up