Harry’s Story
Meet Harry!
Harry was born on the 7th of December 2016 in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. He was diagnosed postnatally with Transposition of the Great Arteries and flown to Glasgow for corrective surgery on his heart. Unfortunately, he had a difficult recovery which led to some further health complications.
Harry started attending RACH in 2018 for gastroenterology and has been a regular patient since – he brightens all the nurse’s and staff’s day on the ward with his cheeky personality!
Harry has been in RACH for almost 6 months now; his latest admission has been one of the longest and most difficult. His mum Claire said, “Being so far from home, separated from Harry’s two older brothers and all our family and support systems has been very difficult for both of us.”
“Archie has provided us with a room in the parent accommodation along with facilities to wash and dry our clothes and cook some meals. The staff are all very friendly and have a good chat with Harry whenever he pops down to help with the washing! He’s also had a few crocheted teddies from the wonderful supporters!” We have on-site accommodation compromising of 19 bedrooms for families to stay in free of charge while their child receives treatment at RACH, it is so important that families are kept together during difficult times.
“He has had daily input from Orla and the play team with some wonderful activities to keep him busy and entertained throughout the admission.” Orla in an Archie Play Worker at RACH. Play is much more than playing games with patients and arts and crafts. It involves creating tailored activities for each child, that can help with distraction, comfort, and company and it also allows worried parents to take time to care for themselves, grab a quick coffee or a short nap, helping them to stay strong for their child. Orla and the team were able to do lots of fun activities with Harry during his stay at RACH!
Harry was well enough to have a few days pass at home earlier this month. “Archie provided us with a voucher to take the whole family to the Highland Wildlife Park. It was exactly what we needed after so long apart. A fun-filled family day. We were so grateful.” It is amazing to see the joy on families faces when we are able to help out with activities like these, we understand families being apart for so long can be incredibly difficult – we are here to try and make things easier for families by providing opportunities like this.
But now, after a long spell at RACH, Harry is ready to leave RACH! We are sure the staff will miss Harry but we are so happy he is able to go home and back to his family!
It is all thanks to our amazing donors and supporters we are able to fund the services we provide for people like Harry and his family.
#LeavingToday
