Our Story:

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Hi everyone,

​We are reaching out to our friends, family, and community during the most difficult time our family has ever faced. On Sunday, March 15th, our lives changed in an instant when our daughter, Felicity-Jo—known to all of us as "Boba"—became critically ill.

​Boba was rushed to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she was immediately admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Seeing our vibrant girl in such a critical environment has been a parent’s worst nightmare.

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A Brave Medical Battle:

Boba is fighting incredibly hard, but her journey is very complex. She has already undergone two major surgical procedures on her bowel and now has an ileostomy. She remains on a ventilator, which is doing the work of breathing for her while her body tries to heal.

​Currently, she is fighting an infection that the doctors haven't yet been able to pinpoint. Because of this, her surgeons are debating whether they need to take her back into the operating theatre for further investigation. We are taking things minute by minute, staying in hospital accommodation so we never have to leave her side.

​The Impact on Our Family:

This has been devastating for our whole family, especially for Boba’s older sister, Padmé. It is so hard for a sibling to understand why their sister is so poorly and why we have to be away from home in Nelson to be at the hospital in Manchester.

​Despite the exhaustion, Natalie-Anne (Boba's Mum) is determined to keep a future waiting for Boba. She has been working on her college questions and even submitted her first assessment from the hospital bedside. We want Boba and Padmé to have a stable home and a bright future to return to, but the financial reality of being away from home and unable to work is hitting us hard.

​Why Your Support Matters:

The "hidden" costs of having a child in long-term intensive care are mounting rapidly—travel between Nelson and Manchester, hospital meals, and keeping our home running. We want our only focus to be on Boba’s strength and the surgeons' decisions, not on how we will afford the bills next week.

​Every little bit helps. If you aren’t able to donate, please consider sharing this page or keeping Boba in your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for any kindness shown to the Rowlett/Howes family.

​Thank you for helping us stay by her side.