Madeleine's Chatsworth Walk to say thank you

Twelve-year-old Madeleine has set her sights on completing a 10km Chatsworth Walk to say thank you for her critical care at Sheffield Children’s.

Madeleine began to feel unwell just before Halloween. She was trying on her fancy dress costume for trick or treating when she started to feel out-of-sorts.

Mum Clare recalls: “We went to the doctors who thought she might have tonsillitis. She was feeling sick and dizzy. We later found out that these episodes were seizures.

“During one, she remained conscious but couldn’t move or talk. A paramedic visited, but by the time they arrived all her vital signs were good and she had come out of it.

“The next time, she collapsed, so her dad rushed her straight to the A&E.”

Madeleine underwent an MRI scan at her local hospital, which revealed she had a brain tumour and she was subsequently transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Clare continues: “From the minute we arrived at Sheffield Children’s, we felt great relief. All the staff were expecting us and knew exactly what to do in that situation. We were immediately reassured to have her under that care.”

Early the next morning, Madeleine was sent for a detailed MRI scan, which lasted over an hour and included her spine and brain. It also included a contrast, which enhanced the visibility of the tumour to the Radiology Team.

Madeleine explains: “I loved the MRI scan at Sheffield Children’s because they let me watch the movie, Grown Ups! I didn’t quite catch the ending, but it was much more fun than my previous scan.

“It was really good. It was my first time in Sheffield Children’s and it was really nice. The doctors and nurses really looked after me and lots of volunteers and other staff brought me books and games to keep me busy. The food was pretty good too!”

Madeleine then underwent an operation to remove her brain tumour on 1^st December last year.

Dad James remembers: “A huge team of neurosurgeons and anaesthetists came to meet her on the day before as well as on the day of her operation and they were kind and thorough, making sure we all understood what was happening. They even let Madeleine pick the colour of their scrubs for the operation- she opted for pink!

Madeleine adds: “I remember my dad waking me up really early so I could have the first chocolate out of my advent calendar before I wasn’t allowed to eat anything, but I was feeling okay otherwise. Afterwards, I felt really hungry and thirsty, and spent a lot of time sleeping.”

Mum Clare adds: “The day of the operation was the worst day of my our lives, but there are no words for how brilliant the staff were from the start. Her consultant said to me us ‘don’t worry, we’re all parents’ and that was so reassuring.”

Madeleine spent less than a week in recovery at Sheffield Children’s before returning home. She is now approaching six months since the operation and has yet to have another seizure.

To say thank you for her care, Madeleine is taking on the Chatsworth Walk for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Ramblers can choose between a 3km or 10km route on the day. Starting at 10am, the walk will take you past the Chatsworth House, up Lodge Hill and through the medieval Stand Woods, past the Hunting Tower, the Swiss Lake and the Aqueduct created as part of the beautification of the Stand Woods.

There will also be activities on the day, including the ‘Find Theo’ orienteering challenge for £1 before you start on the event day. All participants will receive a fundraising pack and medal too.

Madeleine explains: “I love school and history is one of my favourite subjects. Chatsworth is a beautiful place and I love the story behind it all. It was one of the first places I visited after my operation; we went to go see it light up that Christmas.

“We’re doing the 10km route because we’re up for it and I think we can do it, but I’ve no idea how long it will take! We’ve raised over £200 so far and as well as me saying thank you to everyone at the hospital, it’s a way for my family to say thank you too.”

You can sign up to the Chatsworth Walk by clicking here. For a limited time only, use code ‘EARLYBIRD10’, to get 10% off.