Overgate Hospice Resources

Resources created in partnership with Kylie Lang and Overgate Hospice

These resources comprise two symbolised books, inspired by Kylie Lang, a mother and Overgate Day Hospice patient, who is committed to supporting families with children who may struggle to understand when a loved one is living with a life-limiting illness.

Kylie’s ambition stems from her own experiences since her cancer diagnosis in 2019, in how she helps her young daughter, Elsie, who is autistic and non-verbal, understand this difficult time as they navigate it together as a family.

Kylie is now keen to ensure that other families have the support they need, and is working with Overgate Hospice and Widgit Software to develop a series of symbolised resources for families.

Currently, our released resources include 'Caring for your loved one' and 'Feelings'. We hope to be able to release future resources in due course.

We thank Kylie for her courage and dedication in driving this project forward, and to Overgate Hospice for their ongoing support. We look forward to this continued partnership.

Resources are available not only as a PDF, but also as an editable InPrint 4 version, to enable families to personalise the materials to ensure they are accessible for their child or young person. Resources are free to download.

Kylie’s Story

In 2019, I found a lump in my breast. At the time, my daughter Elsie was just 18 months old, and I assumed my body was still adjusting to motherhood. But after a GP visit, everything moved quickly. A biopsy confirmed my fears - I had stage four breast cancer. I was given one year, maybe five if I was lucky. Nearly six years later, I’m still here, focusing on living each day.

Kylie's Story

One of the hardest parts of my diagnosis has been helping my daughter Elsie understand it. Now almost seven, she has autism and limited understanding of illness and loss. Finding ways to support her has been challenging, but Overgate Hospice and her specialist school, Highbury have been incredible. Through stories and visuals, they have helped us navigate this journey in a way Elsie can process.

This experience has inspired me to work with Overgate and Widgit, to develop a resource for children with communication difficulties. I hope that it will help families explain illness, loss, and bereavement in a way that is accessible. I know how isolating it can feel to be in this situation, and I want to ensure other families have the support they need.

Overgate has been my sanctuary, providing complementary therapies, making memory boxes for my family, and counselling - all free of charge. Their kindness has changed our lives, and I’ve made it my mission to give back, raising £30,000 so far. That’s not the only legacy I want to leave, I want to ensure other families have the support they need and by creating this resource, I hope this will provide some support at the most difficult time.