Getting Paddy to Disney World ❤️

*£700 already raised*

In April 2024, Paddy (3) was diagnosed with

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at Stepping Hill Hospital. After a few blood and platelet transfusions, we were taken by ambulance to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where we lived for 2 months.

Paddy had a central line and an NG tube fitted and began his cancer treatment. Unfortunately, during that initial 2 month stay, Paddy really suffered - one of the chemotherapy drugs made him lose the ability to walk AND talk. He had 3 different infections - klebsiella pneumoniae, sapovirus and E-Coli and the site of one of his (many) bone marrow aspirations became infected. Paddy also had something called bowel intussusception, which was initially believed to be tumors in the bowel (but THANKFULLY was not). Despite being on steroids (& STARVING!) Paddy couldn't/wouldn't eat and was put on TPN and fed through his veins for 5 weeks. He lost a scary amount of weight and muscle. Being frail made learning to walk again even more difficult but eventually, when he was clinically stable, he had intensive physiotherapy and took his first steps (for the second time!).

The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital have been truly incredible with my little boy and I couldn't dream of better care ... Unfortunately this will be a long road, as treatment will take at least 2 and a half years. During treatment, children with leukemia are VERY restricted by their lack of immune system. Meaning that the majority of things that small children love to do (soft play, sports, swimming, the cinema, birthday parties etc) are out of the question.

Paddy's wonderful Nursery family organized a beautiful fundraiser for Young Lives vs Cancer, where THOUSANDS of pounds were raised for a truly wonderful charity that supports the families of all children diagnosed with cancer in the UK. In addition, a massive £700 was raised for Paddy's Disney World fund, for which I am endlessly grateful.

When Paddy finishes treatment in 2027, I've promised him a trip to Florida to visit Disney World and Universal Studios. Obviously, the trip alongside health & travel insurance will be very expensive (hence starting fundraising & saving YEARS in advance). To be honest, we both just really need something to look forward to.

A few people have asked me directly if they can donate, hence the GoFundMe.

The biggest and most important thing that I have taken from this horrible experience is how truly wonderful people can be. I have made new friends (for life!) on Ward 86 and felt the immense weight of love, solidarity, generosity and unconditional support from my community

Thank you so much for reading ❤️