Hospital Transport for Terminally Ill Children

A short time after my grandaughter Erin was born, she was diagnosed with a number of serious health issues including abnormalities of the arteries in the kidneys. She spent three months of the last year as an in-patient and had to attend over 30 consultant appointments, all in London, which is an hour and a half’s drive away from home. 

Sarah, a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker started supporting my family after we were referred to the Charity by a community nurse. Sarah helps out with hospital appointments, driving my daughter Helen and Erin up to London, so Helen doesn’t have to worry about parking or traffic, which I am so grateful for. Instead she can spend that time with Erin, taking her mind off any difficult tests or treatments she might be having when she gets there. 

Erin has got used to having blood taken, and holds out her little arms now for the nurses, but she gets distressed when she has to be held for certain tests or treatments. Once it’s all over Sarah likes to take her out of the room for a walk or a play, while Helen talks to the doctors. It just gets her mind off of it and calms her down. 

She also comes to the house and plays with Erin, which gives Helen a break. As a toddler, Erin needs to be watched all the time. As her body is so fragile, we need to keep an eye on her constantly, which can be exhausting. The hours of support that Sarah gives us are so precious and make our lives feel that bit more normal. 

Erin is a joy to watch when she’s feeling well. She loves to play outdoors with her grandad and I love spending time with her too. 

Rainbow Trust’s help makes our lives so much easier and has made a tough situation more bearable. Sarah’s support makes such a difference to our lives, we couldn’t do this without her. Your donations to this project is giving families like mine more reasons to smile each day.