AVA'S STORY

This August bank holiday marks the anniversary of the start of Ava's story. To celebrate one year on and good health Ava will be scooting from her house to chestfield medical centre to pass the baton to her grandad who will then cycle the rest of the way, next stop St Thomas's Childrens Hospital London!

In August 2012 our world was turned upside down when our four year old daughter, Ava became serisouly ill after suffering complications through chicken pox.

She was taken on the advise of her doctor at Chestfield Medical Centre to go to the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother hospital in Margate as her condition had detoriated and she had a rash on her side which was not explained through the chicken pox.Following tests and close monitoring from the QEQM staff it was found Ava was showing signs of renal failure and her condition was a lot worse than suspected. A crash team was then sent down from the Childrens Intensive Care Unit at the Evelina, with paramedic doctor and nurse to stabilise her for the ambulance journey.

On arrival at St Thomas's Hospital London her condition was extremely serious and Ava's dad and I looked on in horror at the nightmare that was unfolding and we could do nothing about our baby girl. The hospital took complete control and to our complete shock Ava was put on a life support machine which without doubt saved our daughters life.

Ava had suffered toxic shock syndrome and had cellulitis on her side which involved surgery whilst in Intensive Care. The surgeons and nursing staff monitored Ava so closely and made her their priority which was such comfort to us as parents as we were still in a state of shock that this could have happened as the result of a very common childhood illness.

After a short time in Intensive Care Ava started to pick up and show signs of breathing and functioning by herself. She was soon transferred to a ward and from there picked up day by day.

Her surgical wound did prove to also have further complications and so we were kept under the Evelinas care for some months. Ava did have to have further surgery some three months later which did correct the wound. 

Throughout everything Ava's care at the Evelina was phenomenol. The support we were given and the care Ava received was beyond words and we are truly grateful. 

The only way we could think to say thank you was to try and help the hospital in some way. If we can raise at least £2,000 it can pay for new beds in the ward which allow parents to sleep in the room with their children while in hospital, which makes the world of difference in difficult times.

 

Ava is so excited to raise some money for the children and parents who are now going through their own nightmares.

Anything we raise will be greatly appreciated as we want to mark an end to our experience and to recognise the remarkable work the hospital does which is above and beyond!