Supporting children in long-term hospital stay

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I am raising money in aid of Newcastle United Foundation to fund and sustain posts such as Melissa's supporting physical activity, health and wellbeing of sick children in hospital, especially those in long term stay. Melissa, Project Officer at the Newcastle United Foundation has supported me a lot in my 6 months journey at the Great North Children Hospital.

During the period of 21 June 2021 (the start of the week I will be discharged from hospital) until the date of the Great North Run and my 15th year birthday on the 12th of September I will walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per week.

My diagnosis with Acute Transverse Myelitis left me paralysed from the waist down. It was hard at the start as I missed so much playing sports but Melissa brought in to the hospital a variety of adapted sports for me to try even when I was bed-bound at the start of my hospital stay. As I transitioned into a wheelchair the games became more challenging and Melissa introduced competitions-I won most! We played Boccia, basketball, golf, darts, archery and lego to name a few. More recently as I started standing, balancing and taking steps using crutches and occasionally unsupported we played football in Leazes Park as part of my physio sessions. I also enjoyed our chats about football players and the premier league. I would definitely say that Melissa played an important role in my road to recovery. I have always looked forward to my sessions with her. They gave me a sense of purpose. My hope is to see Melissa's post continue and also more posts like her's to support the wellbeing of children like me in long term hospital stay.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Newcastle United Foundation: Newcastle United Foundation aims to use the local passion for football to encourage learning and promote healthy lifestyles that will make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families in our region.