Grace’s story

Meet four-year-old Grace from Caerphilly, Her mum, Beth describes as bright, sassy, funny, and full of life. never guess the tough road she’s already travelled in her short life.

Grace was born prematurely at 32 weeks and went straight to the neonatal intensive care unit. At first, her family were told she might be able to go home around her due date, eight or so weeks later. But on day nine, everything changed. Doctors discovered that Grace had congenital nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disease.

Grace was transferred to Noah’s Ark, where they met play assistant, Donna, who would become one of the most important people in Grace’s life.

Beth said: “From the very start, Donna made the transition feel safe. She scooped Grace up for cuddles, chatted to her, soothed her, and bonded with her instantly.” For a mum who had already been through so much, it brought a huge sense of comfort knowing there was someone she could trust to care for Grace whenever she needed a moment off the ward.

The family spent almost the entire first year of Grace’s life in hospital, and Donna was there through it all.

Beth said: “One moment stands out above the rest. When Grace was around six months old, both me and Grace caught Covid. We had to be separated for ten long days. Being away from my baby broke my heart. But when I was finally able to come back, Donna had spent hours with Grace every day, comforting her, playing with her, and even teaching her how to sit up on her own.”

And Donna’s support didn’t stop at Grace. She made sure that big sister, Olivia, was included too. One year close to Christmas, Beth mentioned in passing that Olivia loved LOL dolls. The next day, Donna turned up with a whole case of them. It made Olivia’s Christmas, and reminded the family that Donna’s kindness reached far beyond the hospital bed.

Today, Grace visits the children’s hospital regularly as an outpatient. She has peritoneal dialysis at home and, if all goes well, she’ll hopefully receive a kidney transplant in the new year. But she still has admissions from time to time, and each visit, she becomes Donna’s little shadow all over again.

Recently, Grace needed blood tests, which are often frightening for young children. Donna used preparation play to help, using “Sally Dolly,” a special doll used to practise medical procedures in a safe, child-friendly way. Together, they role-played every step: the tourniquet, the cleaning, the little scratch of the needle, and the reason why it all matters.

What might seem like simple play is actually a powerful therapeutic tool. Through role-play, children like Grace learn what to expect, understand why procedures are needed, feel more in control, experience less fear and anxiety and as a result, cope better with appointments and admissions.

Thanks to Donna’s ongoing support, Grace goes into procedures calmer, more confident, and far more prepared, and for Grace and her mum, that makes all the difference.

For Grace and her family, the love and care Donna gives is unmatched. She has supported them through some of the hardest days of their lives. Grace adores her, she even loves having “sleepovers” at the hospital because she gets to spend time with Donna.

Beth said: “I’m so grateful for Donna and her caring nature and I hope she gets the recognition she deserves.”