A project officer in the Great North Children’s Hospital has been praised by a 14-year-old who has been through a life changing health experience, for her part in helping him on the road to recovery during his long hospital stay.
Daniel is now fundraising for the Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation (GNCH) Foundation and the Newcastle United Foundation (NUF) by aiming to complete 10,000 steps from 21st June to 12th September as he learns to walk again.
During his long hospital stay of six months he has had support from project officer Melissa Scott who is supported by GNCH Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation to improve the lives of children and young people coming into GNCH for specialist treatment.
Melissa provides recreational activities, indoor sports games and educational opportunities for young people receiving treatment for chronic health issues.
This includes respite for patients throughout their treatment process and encourages them to play, laugh, learn and stay active alongside their siblings and family members, keeping the youngsters engaged and helping them retain and grow in self-confidence during their stay in hospital.
Daniel explained that Melissa, project officer at the Newcastle United Foundation, has supported him in his six-month journey at the Great North Children’s Hospital.
“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.”
Daniel’s fundraising
Daniel is learning to walk again and can take a few steps with crutches, yet he has set himself this immense challenge to walk 10,000 steps every week until two milestones in September, his 15th birthday and the Great North Run, which he would have been taking part in prior to his life changing experience.
