Over 900 children are admitted to the Southampton paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) each year, and in 2015 Connie was one.

With its many machines and intense activity, PICU is an incredibly frightening place both for the children and families that rely upon it, but one that retains a sense of calm at all times, and with its 24/7 one to one care, provides a sense of calm and reassurance that your loved one is being looked after.

Connie was in PICU for nearly 3 weeks whilst she remained in a coma, and for much of that time was given a 50% chance of survival. As a result of the accident, she also had to undergo an operation to correct a brain aneurism, which involved clipping an artery in her brain.

Words will never be able to express the gratitude that we have to all the doctors and nurses in PICU.

The care that was provided to Connie and to us all went above and beyond. Whether it was the gentle hand on the shoulder at the stroke of New Year, that Caroline and I were allowed to stay with Connie around the clock, the painstaking care with which some nurses tried to detangle her hair, or the balance struck between supporting our family but not providing unrealistic hope. The people we met were truly remarkable.

Friends of PICU is a charitable organisation that supports PICU. Rather amazingly, charitable donations are responsible for funding the current expansion of PICU from 14 beds to 16, and also for funding a new retrievals ambulance to help transport children to get the care they need.

Thank you for supporting this charity.