As many of you know Willow became extremely poorly in November and ended up being blue lighted from Yeovil Hospital to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Southampton. Willow had RSV which caused acute bronchiolitis and her heart went into SVT staying at 240bpm for over 2 hours. Without the dedication and expertise of the staff who came to retrieve Willow from YDH Willow most likely wouldn’t be here for Christmas this year. The staff in PICU were outstanding and as a family we are extremely grateful to them.

Due to Willow being in PICU and being so far from home Callum and I were put into emergency Ronald McDonald housing so that we could be close to Willow and get rest when we could. This also allowed Harper and family to come up and visit us. RM provided us with a a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/lounge area, a play room for when Harper visited and washing facilities etc. The charity also provides families with any toiletries and items they may need when they first arrive.

Sophie’s Legacy is a charity that is really important to families in hospital. When we were rushed to Southampton we didn’t have anything; no clothes or belongings, no food etc. Sophie’s Legacy provides snacks and meals for families whose children are unwell in hospital.

It isn’t until you are thrown into these situations that you realise the amazing work people do to help families struggling in awful situations. We spoke to some families who had been in the accommodation for months, and some even over a year. As such, Callum and I felt like we wanted to raise some money to support others.

Over the next year we are going to be fundraising for Ronald McDonald, PICU and Sophie’s Legacy. There will be a bingo, an afternoon tea and other events.

About PICU:

Helping to support the NHS and provide the very best of care to Critically ill Children and their families at the regional Intensive Care Unit at Southampton University Hospital. The unit cares for children from across the South of England and Channel Islands.

About Ronald McDonald housing:

A Ronald McDonald House is a comfortable and welcoming place for families with sick children to rest, just steps away from the hospital.

About Sophie’s Legacy:

Sophie's Legacy charity has been providing snack and toiletry boxes to 17 children's wards in Portsmouth and Southampton hospitals weekly since January 2022. We want to ensure parents have access to food on the ward 24 hours a day, seven days a week