Ronald McDonald House tooting supported my family and daughter when she contracted a severe infection after an operation.

They offerd me a place to stay, a place to wash and eat and a caring ear when I needed it most after sleeping on a fishing bed up on the ward! The rest of the family were back at home in Bracknell,after being given keys to our new home (one weeks before Lillie was admitted) and trying to visit was becoming very hard and emotional as well as costly.

When Lillies siblings came to visit as well as grandparents they where welcomed by staff and were also able to  sleep over as i still tried to work, being self employed at the time. This enabled us to have one parent to be with Lillie at all times.

On the odd occasion lillies grandad stayed while we worked, and even he was so well looked after, having access to a free lunch and even other families in the house providing him/us with a cooked meal when we didn't have chance.

Lillie spent 6 weeks in st George's and was undergoing daily interventions to clean her wounds, while attached to a fancy infection machine that promoted growth of normal tissue. After long and distressing days we could go over to the house and cook a meal together, relax on the sofa and she could even watch TV while I showered. It truly was home from home.

So....as a little thank you to all that helped us, including Rachel and strini, I'm going to jump 10,000 ft in aid of raising funds to keep supporting and providing accommodation for other families free of charge. Families really do need this, and it helps them mentally as well as physically to stay together in what can be a scary and awful situation at times.

Please donate what you can, even a few quid is appreciated. I met some wonderful families  in our time at tooting, and I know of families who live local to me who have also benefited from the awesome service they provide! Next time you buy your double cheeseburger, drop your change in the pot... every little counts! 

Charity number 802047

Rondonald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children having treatment in hospital. Our Houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services. This means that families can be by their child’s bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.We help over 6,000 families each year and now, more than ever, we need your support. Thank you.