Kerri's visit brings her 'full circle'

31 October 2011

31st October 2011

There were smiles all round last week when former patient Kerri was reunited with the hospital staff who she says made her the person she is today.

Kerri Cooper, who was born with achondroplasia, drove 175 miles to Sheffield to hand-deliver a cheque to us for over £1000.

Kerri, from Sudbury in Suffolk, recently celebrated her 21st birthday with a skydive, and as a patient at The Children’s Hospital from the age of one until she was 18, she wanted to give something back.

Kerri had two major operations at the hospital in her teens to straighten her legs and to correct her pelvis and spine.

“Without the care and kindness of the dedicated and specialist staff at this hospital, I know I wouldn't be the person I am today,” said Kerri. “It’s been a rollercoaster 21 years with many ups and lots of downs but the support, care and knowledge of the staff at the hospital was amazing."

Four and a half years since her last appointment, Kerri says the visit brought her “full circle, a kind of closure. It was so great to see everyone again.”

Kerri made the trip in her modified car: “It’s the furthest I’ve driven so far - I now really appreciate all the times my mum and dad drove me to Sheffield and back for my appointments!”

Kerri, who now works for the planning department at her local council in Suffolk, donated the money to the staff on Ward S3, who looked after Kerri following her operations. 

Katie Bannister, Ward Manager on S3, said: “It's so nice to see Kerri again. It's always fantastic for us to see a former patient doing so well and knowing what a difference we were able to make."

Sam Pollard, a Staff Nurse on the ward, said: “It’s great to see Kerri after all this time. She’s much braver than I am - I’m going on holiday next week and I’m scared to get on the plane, never mind jump out of one!”

Kerri was also reacquainted with Jonathan Pagdin, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Paediatric Limb Reconstruction Service at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. 

Jonathan said: “I’m glad Kerri made that long journey again, it was wonderful to see her. We treat children from all over the country here, lengthening and correcting limbs, fingers and toes.” 

Jonathan recently raised over £1000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity when he took on the Great Yorkshire Run in October.