Family from Lincoln wear Pyjamas for a full day to say thank you for 4-year-old son’s care

Four-year-old Thomas, from Lincoln, became a regular visitor to Sheffield Children’s after being diagnosed with neuropathy of the bowel when he was just two years old.

In the lead-up to Thomas’ diagnosis his family stayed on Ward 4 at Sheffield Children’s for over eight months, for monitoring and to trial the best treatment.

Mum Aimee recalls: “We lived on the ward for eight months, so we got to know the staff really well. They are all amazing, they listen to everything you are saying and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.”

Once diagnosed, the family were trained to use a Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) machine so that Thomas can get the nutrients and food he needs.

TPN machines provide patients with all or most calories and nutrients through solutions that contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, glucose, fat vitamins and minerals using vascular access devices like PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) lines.

Aimee added: “We’re not sure how Thomas’ condition will be in the future but for now, we know we are in the best hands. Thomas’ doctor, Dr Urs, is incredible. He listens to everything we say and always helps us to feel like we have a plan in place. We really can’t thank the staff enough for everything they have done.”

To say thank you for the care Thomas has received his family and friends took part in our Pyjama Day fundraising event in 2022.

Thomas’ dad is a mechanic and even wore his pyjamas to fix cars at his local business. A family friend was a carpet fitter and wore his pyjama’s that day in support of the families fundraising. Their local school also got involved, with pupils wearing their PJs for the day.

The support of families like Thomas’ is so important to making a helipad at Sheffield Children’s a reality. Currently helicopters have to land opposite the hospital in Western Park. Children and Young people are then stretchered across the busy main road to our major trauma centre.

A helipad will save vital minutes when every second counts and will offer families privacy in a very scary moment.

Community Fundraising Officer Lucy Cain said:

“I am so grateful to all the families, supporters, businesses and colleagues who get involved in our Pyjama Day. Children and Young People who stay with us over night often wear their Pyjama’s when in hospital and so we think it a great way to support them by wearing pyjama’s during the day. We have ran this event for the last two years and we are so grateful for the support we have received from families like Thomas.”

To wear your Pyjama’s and support our Helipad Appeal sign up here: https://www.tchc.org.uk/appeal/helipad/