Roald Dahl’s Marvellous children’s charity  

We’re sharing Oliver’s mother’s story: one of hope, gratitude and the life-changing difference a Roald Dahl Nurse will make to a family, with your help! 

When Kathryn’s baby son Oliver was born last autumn, joy quickly turned to fear. Within weeks, Oliver fell seriously ill and was admitted to hospital for what became a nine-week stay. Tests revealed complex feeding and breathing problems, and Kathryn and her husband James suddenly faced a blur of specialists, wards and unanswered questions. 

Then Shannon, a Roald Dahl Nurse, came into the family’s lives and everything changed. 

“It was a few weeks into our stay, but I swear we wouldn’t be here, at home, without her support,” says Kathryn. “There were so many different nurses and teams, and we felt nothing was being decided. Shannon spoke to everyone for us, found out what needed to happen and made sure things moved forward. She gave us energy and the fight to keep going.” 

Roald Dahl Nurses are specialists who support seriously ill children with complex conditions – and their families – across the UK. Funded by Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, they work within NHS hospitals to provide expert care, consistency and compassion. 

For Kathryn, the support was transformational. “Shannon didn’t just help with Oliver’s care, she supported me, too,” she says. “She’d check in to see how I was coping. I was in hospital every day and night, trying to keep Oliver calm because crying affected his breathing. It was overwhelming at times, especially with two other children at home. Shannon would remind me to rest and ask what I needed.” 

The charity’s work ensures that families like Kathryn’s never face the uncertainty of long hospital stays alone. “I don’t think anyone can understand what Shannon did for us,” she says. “Or how grateful parents like us are for this kind of support – and for everyone who’s raised funds to make it possible.” 

With the help of Roald Dahl Nurses like Shannon, families find strength, reassurance and a sense of hope when they need it most. This Bucks charity, founded by Felicity Dahl, proves that, just like in the stories that inspired the charity’s name, even in the darkest moments, kindness can make all the difference. 

Donate & read more at roalddahlcharity.org 

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