My daughter, Alba, was born last year on 16th March. She was born with a condition called gastroschisis, which meant that her bowels were outside of her body. She was cared for brilliantly by the staff on the Neonatal Ward at St Thomas' hospital and returned home within a month. However, whilst she was there, Patrick and I needed a place to stay and were lucky enough to be given a room at the Ronald McDonald House (about which you can find out more below).

One of the hardest days for me during Alba's time in hospital was Mother's Day. It hit me that my first day as a mother was being spent in the most unconventional way, and I found it hard to see the day as a celebration. However, something that made the day much easier was returning to our room in the Ronald McDonald House to find that flowers, chocolates and a card had been left for me, wishing me a Happy Mother's Day.

It meant so much to me that, this year, Patrick and I would love to donate the Mother's Day gifts to the House. As such, we would like to raise enough to buy gifts for each of the 59 rooms. It seems a small gesture, but it really meant the world to me, so we would love your support in helping us to extend this gift to other families in need.

P.s. Alba says thank you, too!

The Ronald McDonald Charity enables families to maintain a degree of normal life while their child is undergoing medical treatment in partnered specialist children's hospitals across the UK. They give families a warm and welcoming environment within which they can stay for as long as they need – be it a matter of days, months or even years. The Houses are equipped with everything you would expect to find in your own home including bedrooms, a kitchen and communal areas. Where possible they also have quiet spaces for children to do their school work and for parents to work remotely – in this way we ensure families can still operate together, as they would at home. Families can cook, clean, rest and be together, all the time knowing that they are only moments away from their child in hospital.