This is my second JustGiving Fundraiser, the first one was for RMCH (one of the hospitals in the MFT group) and was in celebration of my daughter, Ivy’s 7th birthday.

As many of you know, back in 2018. Ivy caught a virus. 

Not a ‘novel virus’ just a common one , one that most of us have had and probably not noticed, it’s called ‘Epstein Barr’. It’s mild for most people (sounding familiar?)

Viruses can do some pretty weird things though, and in Ivy’s case, it triggered a highly unusual immune response, a condition known as HLH (Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis). 

A similar reaction is now being observed in some critical cases of COVID19.

We went into hospital through A&E. Ivy was on an ordinary ward at first but deteriorated, she was transferred to HDU for about an hour (!) and then went to PICU to be ventilated. Once through the worst she was moved to an isolation ward. Our first admission lasted 12 days in all.

It didn’t quite end there, in fact she had 4 further hospital stays (Ward 84 Family4Life! 😂)

Investigations as to why she got so poorly are still ongoing. 

She had no prior diagnosis, so any ‘underlying conditions’ are tucked away in her DNA somewhere. 

Ivy has now been in remission from HLH for a year. 

Without prompt diagnosis and expert treatment, HLH is fatal. It’s indisputable that RMCH saved Ivy’s life.

Now NHS staff up and down the country are being tasked with saving the lives of thousands of others experiencing a very similar illness, but with the added challenge of emergency conditions. 

Ivy’s virus was a known entity, the nurses and doctors who cared for her had long established their own immunity. This time around, they are putting their own health, their own lives, in danger.

Many staff will be unable to go home, and will instead sleep at work, or at temporary accommodation.

The hospital charity has asked businesses to donate items (snacks, toiletries, phone chargers etc) to help the staff get through this challenging period. They (understandably) cannot accept donations from individuals due to contagion concerns, but I know that many individuals will, like me, want to help.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the charity, who will spend it as needed by the staff. 

I know we are all worried about money right now, so I don’t expect to raise lots. I’ll be delighted with any donations at all, every little bit will add up.

The first 310.00 donated is from Manchester Lindy - proceeds from our 2019 Xmas party. My chums on the ML organising committee are supporting this fundraiser (💙) and I will be sharing it via ML’s social media networks. 

Ivy is on the ‘Extremely Vulnerable Persons’ list so we are stuck indoors for the foreseeable. We’d be super grateful if you could help us help the hospital. 

You can see more of Ivy’s story here: https://m.facebook.com/paulahardykangelos/albums/10157938451387576/

And here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ivyclementine

(if you don’t live in Manchester, please consider donating to your local Foundation Trust charity instead ❤️)