As you can imagine, this was an incredibly scary time for the family, but the minute we walked through the hospital doors we were made to feel so welcome. This would become our second home for the next eight weeks, during which time we were under the expert care of Neurosurgeon, Mr Darach Crimmins, and the entire team at Temple Street. The first time we met with Mr Crimmins we were so nervous, as we didnt know how serious Saoibhs tumour was or what we were facing down the line. But he was brilliant from the very beginning and immediately put all of us at ease. He explained everything so clearly, and although Saoibh was disappointed to hear that her summer would be spent recovering from the vital surgery, we were just so relieved to know she was in the best hands possible.

Music never crossed our minds as something that could help in hospital, but it made an amazing difference. Even when confined to a wheelchair, she instantly began smiling and laughing like she does back at home. Alison formed a real connection with Saoibh, inspiring her to write her own songs, including Raining Rainbows (the song you may have heard on the Late Late Toy Show!).While spending so much time away from home was really difficult, we are just so thankful as parents that we were made to feel so at home at Temple Street. Everybody there were so good to us, it feels like a real community there, and we will be part of the Temple Street family forever. Some of the people weve met along the way will truly be friends for life