In 2011, our founder Helen Sheppard said goodbye to her precious daughter Hope, who was stillborn at 25 weeks. In the deepest pain a mother can know, Helen made a promise: no family on the Isle of Man should ever have to face their darkest days completely alone. From that heartbreak, A Little Piece of Hope was born in 2012 – a charity created not just in memory of Hope, but in honour of every child whose light continues to shine through the love and support we offer their families.
After losing Hope, Helen felt an overwhelming need to turn her grief into something positive. She wanted
other families to receive the practical and emotional help she wished she had. With unwavering determination and the support of her community, she founded A Little Piece of Hope in 2012. What started as one mother’s promise has grown into a trusted lifeline for bereaved families and children facing serious illness across the Isle of Man.
We believe every child’s life matters – no matter how brief. We believe families deserve to be held with compassion when they are at their most vulnerable. And we believe that hope, no matter how small, can light the way through even the darkest times. That belief drives everything we do: supporting families with UK hospital travel and accommodation, helping with funeral costs and meaningful headstones, funding children’s mental health therapy, providing essential equipment, and creating moments of joy like our Secret Santa deliveries for “superhero children”.
Over the years, wonderful people have joined Helen in this mission. Aileen Rampton, Nicola Walton, Emma Watterson, Laura Corkhill and many dedicated volunteers have brought their own skills, lived experience, and hearts full of compassion to the charity. Together, we have become a true island family – walking beside one another through grief, celebration, remembrance, and hope.
Today, A Little Piece of Hope continues to grow. Through events like the Heroes of Mann Awards, the International Wave of Light, and countless acts of kindness, we are building a community where no one has to carry their pain in silence. Every donation, every nomination, every volunteer hour helps us reach more families who need to know they are not alone.
“Losing Hope changed my life forever. But it also showed me the incredible strength of community and the healing power of kindness. If our story can bring even a little comfort or practical help to another family, then Hope’s legacy lives on. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.”
Every family helped, every candle lit, every hero celebrated adds another beautiful chapter. Whether you donate, volunteer, nominate a hero, or simply share our story – you become part of the legacy of hope.