My Story

Monday 23rd August started like any other week in our household, everyone racing around, grabbing breakfast and prioritising who out of my two children would need to get ready first. When suddenly I came across a range of unidentified marks that concerned me unbelievably. Charlie was heavily bruised on his legs and had purpura visible under the skin on his neck which really worried me, we called 111 who instructed an ambulance. Within 5 minutes the paramedics where at our house and as puzzled as us by the visible marks displayed on our son. He was taken to hospital and after several hours in A&E was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura). Some of the symptoms to look out for are: bruising, fatigue and any bleeding.

In ITP the immune system mistakes the platelets as foreign and produces antibodies against the platelets. These antibodies cause the immune system to destroy the platelets which results in a decrease in the platelet count. The danger is that if there is a bleed the blood is unable to clot with an insufficient platelet count. We don’t know whether Charlie will have Chronic ITP or if he will make a complete recovery but what we do know is that the staff at the RD&E will continue to be exceptional.

During the last 8 days Charlie spent at the RD&E he experienced an uncontrollable bleed from the back of the nose which meant he required emergency surgery on his nose, he was taken to theatre where a range of surgeons and haematologists managed to pack both of his nostrils and return him safely back to the High dependency unit. Charlie is making progress on his road to recovery and we are so happy to have him back at home.

The team on the Children’s ward (Bramble) who looked after Charlie were amazing and treated us with respect, truth and consideration.Thankfully prior to this none of my children have needed to go to hospital, however during our time on the Bramble ward we noticed that the ward looked very clinical and quite scary, just a splash of new colour on the walls would help create a happier environment for the children to help them feel more secure in quite a stressful and traumatic time. 

The Bramble ward are raising money to enhance children’s services and they want to create bright colourful engaging spaces, create activities, materials, and equipment to support children through what is often an anxious time. The last time the ward had a re-design was over 25 years ago so this is hughely needed. 

The least I can do is give something back, so I am running the virtual London Marathon on Sunday 3rd October, I often run with Charlie in his buggy, I know that every penny raised will make a difference to children’s lives across Devon.

If you can spare a few pennies, please support the starfish appeal, every child deserves a friendly, colourful place to visit that makes them feel safe, welcome, and want to smile. Every year over 30,000 children from Devon will make a visit to the Children’s ward, lets try and make a difference to thousands of children.

Thank you so much for reading our journey and if you can help in any way, please donate 😊