When my gorgeous boy was born on 9th January 2020, we knew he would need to spend time in hospital to get the care he needed to stabilise his heart condition. To ensure he got the specialist care he needed, he was under the care of Southampton Hospital. The thought of leaving him in Southampton to go home every night was a horrendous worry to add to an already difficult time. However, with the support of Ronald McDonald House, this was not a worry that we had to deal with. 

Once it was made clear to us that Albie would have to stay in hospital, the nurses on NICU put us in direct touch with the staff at Ronald McDonald House. Although I was also still an inpatient, Chris was given a room straight away so he could be close to us. I joined him once I was well enough.

Ronald McDonald house offers free accommodation to families with children poorly in hospital. It allows families to stay in a homely environment close to their child with facilities to cook and eat meals as a family; space to relax, watch TV and play games and en-suite rooms to cater for long term stays. We had a phone in our room that connected directly to whichever ward Albie was on, giving us piece of mind that we could keep in contact with the medical staff looking after him and they could call us at any hour that we were needed. The staff worked 24/7 and there was always someone there to offer support when we needed it. Many families we met while we were there were able to use the space to bring their poorly child across and have a home-from-home setting to bring a touch of normality during a difficult time. 

Families are able to stay fir as long as they need, some families needing the space for months and years. We were fortunate to only need to stay for 20 nights. It costs the charity £25 per night to accommodate a family. I would like to raise £500 to cover the stay we had last year. Any extra we can raise would be incredible! 

Me, Chris, my Mum and Dad and sister and her partner will be walking the distance if 785.4miles from the 1st March to 31st May. This is the distance between each of the Ronald McDonald House’s in the Uk. 

You never know when you may need the support of Ronald McDonald House and I am eternally grateful for the support they gave my family.