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The objective of this study was to provide a preliminary description of trajectories of life-limiting conditions (LLCs) using qualitative experiential data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with families of children with LLCs, selected to encompass all Association for Children’s Palliative Care (ACT)/Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) categories, using a schedule developed from focus groups of professionals. Thirty out of 76 families agreed to participate. Four of these were unsuitable. In nine out of 26 families, their child had died. In eight out of the 26, two individuals were interviewed. Twenty-four mothers, nine fathers, one sibling and two foster-carers were interviewed in total. The interview schedule was developed from data from four themed focus groups, comprising 25 professionals from 14 backgrounds. Thirty-four milestones in five phases were identified: Diagnosis, Loss of normality …