A late-night hospital visit turned into a Lincolnshire mum’s worst nightmare when an emergency X-ray revealed a shadow on her young daughter’s throat.
For a few months, Philippa’s six-month-old daughter Phoebe had been struggling with a chronic cough. One evening she took her to A&E at Lincoln County Hospital where an emergency X-ray was taken.
Just two days later, as the family prepared for a summer holiday, Philippa received a call urging her to bring Phoebe immediately to the hospital’s Safari Children’s Ward. The x-ray had revealed a shadow that appeared to be pressing on Phoebe’s throat and consultants feared this was a tumour.
Over the next 48 hours Phoebe underwent blood tests, swabs, sedation, cannulas, and a CT scan.
Philippa said: “It felt me and my husband Oliver, were living a nightmare but then finally, we received the news we had been desperately hoping for. Phoebe did not have a tumour. The relief was indescribable.”
Philippa cannot thank the staff enough for their exceptional care and professionalism: “They were incredible. The dedicated Play Lead made sure Phoebe had toys and activities to keep her calm and comforted throughout her stay. It was the hardest few days. But despite this, the staff somehow managed to put a smile on our faces.”
As her way of saying thank you, Philippa recently ran the Carsington Water10k, raising £1,081 for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “It is wonderful that Philippa has supported the hospital in this way. The charity exists to provide additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, their families and the staff that care for them.
“We are totally funded by people living in our local communities who, like Philippa, want to support their local Lincolnshire hospitals. Her donation will help ensure other families facing their worst days receive the same outstanding care, comfort, and support.”
For more information about United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and how you can support, visit: https://www.ulhcharity.org.uk
