Why Boo-a-Bog loves the Children’s Hospital for Wales.
I’ve been lucky enough to be an Ambassador for Noah’s Ark, the Children’s Hospital Charity for many years now. The team and I came up with the idea of publishing a book to help raise money for this amazing service, and I had a story up my sleeve! The theme of ‘Boo-a-bog in the Park was perfect. Finding courage in whatever way you can, however you’re feeling, whatever you are facing.
It was only when my own son needed treatment though, that I fully appreciated just what an outstanding hospital we have for our children. Gabriel was taken ill with appendicitis. He was in real pain and was rushed to the hospital. He was monitored overnight, before surgery the next day. It turned out to be inoperable, the risk was too great. A course of intravenous antibiotics was our only option. We just had to hope they would work, or he would have to go through that more complex surgery.
The treatment, care and support we had during our week long stay was just wonderful. Not only did I feel Gabriel was in the very best hands, the nurses and doctors had so much fun with him, making him smile and laugh, even when it hurt as needles were put in his little veins.
He responded brilliantly to the treatment and was soon well enough to make it to the games room. Once he’d discovered the pool table, X-Box and arts and crafts in there, I knew we’d be struggling to get him to come home!
Despite the worry, I was constantly reminded we were some of the lucky ones. In the kitchen area where you can make yourself a cuppa, bring in some food and take ten minutes for yourself, I met other parents whose experiences put ours into perspective. One mum, who lived an hour and a half away, had been bringing her daughter there for more than ten years as she underwent numerous operations. She told me what a relief it was that there was a facility where she could stay at the hospital, close to her little girl, while getting the rest she needed to stay strong.
So I’m incredibly grateful to Boo-a-bog that he is helping raise money for this exceptional hospital. I hope you won’t ever need to go there, but it’s deeply reassuring to know that if you do need treatment, there are very special people, in a brilliant facility, waiting to care you.
As I write this, Gabriel is waiting to go back in for another little op. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported Boo-a-bog and this vital charity.