Grandads give a lot of love...
Elle was the eldest of my two grandaughters, and only 8 when they discovered she had advanced leukaemia. Then there was the mad trip to Wellington in a helicopter.
Without Ronald McDonald House it would have been a bloody nightmare. It was the most amazing thing out, knowing that support was there.
Whenever I knew Elle was going to be at the House I'd be down there. It meant everything to know you had a safe place where you could be close to Elle.
More than anything, I provided a comfort factor, helping support my family, looking after the little ones and trying to hold myself together. Just being there to help out, like grandparents do.
It felt like home. There was a loving environment in the whole place, everybody cared. I felt secure there and at peace when I left.
We are a very close family, and just being able to be together made a huge difference.
Elle Taare's family
19 visits 264 nights