Rebecca House Children’s Hospice has paid tribute to a ‘kind and caring’ member of staff who is leaving after more than 20 years.

Geraldine McLaughlin, affectionately known as ‘Gezza’, ‘Geralbean’ and ‘Geraljean’ by colleagues, first joined Rebecca House in 2006 as part of its Hospice at Home team.

She was also part of the team when Rebecca House opened its doors in 2007 and has since worked as a nursery nurse.

During her time at the hospice, Geraldine went on to train in bereavement support and talking therapy before becoming lead of the Young Persons Support Service.

Rebecca House said she had developed a reputation for connecting with people of all ages, particularly children. The hospice described her as ‘kind, caring and funny’, adding that she had a particular gift for putting children at ease.

A spokesperson for Rebecca House said: ‘Her gift of making them feel completely at ease is probably why they all love her so much!

‘After more than 20 years she is leaving us and she will certainly be missed by the staff, children and families who she has cared for throughout her time here.

‘We are so excited for her as she starts her new role, and we hope they realise how lucky they are to have her.

‘Good luck Geraldine, you son on a nutcracker - now go and show them what you're made of.’

Rebecca House is the Isle of Man’s children’s hospice, providing specialist care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Its services include respite care, symptom management and end-of-life care, while also supporting families and providing a safe and compassionate environment for children and their loved ones.