On Tuesday 6th December I took my son, Sean (8 years old) to the GP for a referral to an Occupational Therapist to help with his Dyspraxia. In the morning whilst putting on his tie, I noticed many raised lymph nodes. He had been suffering from a cold, pale in colour, tired and suffering from bruising. I had put this down to having a cold, starting in a new school and beginning contact rugby. I asked the GP to take a look at his neck. Within 48 hours my little boy was receiving his first dose of chemotherapy to treat Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Our life has been turned upside down, and for the first few days I thought that I would not be able to cope...
Sean has been admitted to Ward E39 at Nottingham QMC. The ward has 15 beds, with 15 very poorly children and 15 sets of parents and siblings, whose whole concept of normality has been turned upside down. Initially I thought that this would be the most awful place to be in the world. However, the strength of these children and their families is awe inspiring and 1 week in, I know that my little boy will have the strength and support to beat this.
The parents stay 24/7 and the support that we receive is second to none, which means that we can spend 100% of our time focusing on our little ones.
The support and facilities available do not just appear by magic and they require money. Simple day to day items do not just appear, such as tea, coffee, milk, bread, toys, kettle, microwaves, washing machines, tables large enough to have family meals, schooling, emotional support, books to help you explain to siblings etc etc etc - the list is endless.
Many people have asked what they can do to help and the answer is very simple, donate all you can to this ward so that they can continue to support families through the most difficult journey that they will ever have to walk.
Thankyou for taking the time to read my story and please donate all you can.

Sarah