A MOTHER whose toddler has Down’s syndrome and leukaemia has praised an “exceptional” hospice carer.

Little Elsie had a bone marrow transplant last year and is currently in isolation at home – but Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, in Victors Way, Barnet, have stepped in to help.

The three-year-old’s mother, Helen, says carer Jules Adams, who regularly visits the family, has made the difficult time “more manageable”.

She said: “We’ve been very isolated because of Elsie’s immune system, so Jules is also here for us – for a little banter for allowing us to get out of the house, and for carrying some of the load.

“Elise revels in the undivided attention, stimulation and care Julies can give that we are sometimes to exhausted to provide.

“He’s totally in charge when he’s here and won’t let us do anything that he could do instead. He comes in and says ‘Right, it’s Elsie time!’ and he gets right down to Elsie’s level.

“She is completely comfortable with Jules’ lovely character – we are so grateful. We can’t express enough the positive impact this has had on Elise’s recovery and development.”

Noah’s Ark play specialist Vicky also visits the family each week, something which Elsie “adores”.

She had her transplant seven months ago but because it was a mismatched donor, she has a chance of relapsing and is currently being weaned off drugs.

Helen added: “Julies has a very special bond with Elsie. Letting go of Elsie’s care to an outsider has been extremely difficult for me as caring for Elsie is so intense.

“But now Jules takes Elsie to the swings on his own and I have even ventured out to do chores. This has been liberating and given me a little opportunity to be ‘me’.

“More importantly, I’m refreshed following Jules’ visits to be the best mum I can be to my daughter.”

Elise has come on in “leaps and bounds” and her family are hopeful she will be cancer free in time to start nursery in September.

Helen added: “We’re hoping the time will soon come when we won’t have to isolate Elsie from social groups, because of the risk of infection, and that Elsie can start doing normal things that other children do.

“Up to this point in Elsie’s life she hasn’t been able to play with other children, she adores other children so allowing her to be able to play normally with others is something that we as parents are longing for.”