When Simon and Amy McMurdy’s daughter Olivia was born with complex medical needs, the way they thought their family life would unfold was instantly turned on its head. “We didn’t know what to do or where to turn,” they recall. “Life wasn’t what we expected - but Embrace gave us a roadmap for how to cope.” Here’s the story of how we were able to help and support one family, and how we’re still part of their lives and their story today.
The family first connected with Embrace during Olivia’s early years. “From the
very beginning, Embrace offered fantastic support; not just for Olivia, but for our whole family,” they say. Simon and Amy describe the impact of Embrace as nothing short of life-changing. “It’s very hard to imagine what you face as a
family when you’re raising a child with complex needs,” they say. “But Embrace do such amazing work that makes a real difference. They understand what families need: not just the children, but siblings, parents, everyone.”
Embrace, says Amy, are like having an insurance policy for the times in life that you just don’t see coming. Without it, you’d be lost.
“No one expects to find themselves in this position when they’re pregnant. People ask if you want a boy or a girl - no one thinks about or plans for the complications we ended up experiencing. You just don’t expect it. But when it happens, you desperately need support. Embrace are like that insurance - you
hope you’ll never need them, but if you do, they’re there with love, empathy and care for the whole family.”
Through parent / carer breakfasts, gentle walks at the RSPB centre (Olivia loved the sound of birdsong), and sibling support for Olivia’s big brother, the McMurdys began to find their feet and see how to build a rich and full life for their family, that would meet everyone’s needs.“We’re so grateful for everything Embrace brought into our world. The people, the care, the support. They were there to walk alongside us, and to hold our hands when things were overwhelming. Sometimes it was emotional support, sometimes it was practical - a cup of tea, a helping hand with the washing, and everything in between!”
Forever Family
Olivia passed away eight years ago, but Simon and Amy say that their relationship with Embrace didn’t end there. “One of the hardest things when you lose a child is how quickly many services just stop. But Embrace didn’t let go; they continued to support us long after we lost her. We weren’t abandoned in any way, and we’re still part of the Embrace family even now.”
Simon now dedicates his employee volunteering hours at Xerox to Embrace, and has encouraged colleagues to do the same through direct payment contributions and hands-on involvement. “Giving regularly, whether it’s time, money or both, makes such a difference,” he says.
“We will always support Embrace,” Amy says. “They changed our lives, and even now, eight years after Olivia left us, they’re still part of our story.”
Want to support Embrace through your workplace?
Many companies offer volunteering hours, match funding, or payroll giving schemes, and it’s often easier to access than you might think. Speak to your HR team, line manager, or CSR department to find out what’s available.
Whether it’s giving your time, skills, or a financial contribution, your support can make a real difference to families like the McMurdys.
Thank you for helping us continue to Embrace families when they need it most, and often when they least expected it.
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