“Every act of generosity helps a family like ours”: Harry’s story

Harry was born in July 2023 with congenital heart disease, which meant he needed urgent medical care at St Thomas’ Hospital, and later at King’s College Hospital, London, as well as the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

During this time, his parents, Lianne and Simon, stayed at both Ronald McDonald House Camberwell and Ronald McDonald House Evelina London. The charity kept them close to Harry during long hospital stays, including over Christmas and the summer holidays. Their older children, George and Maisie, also found comfort and support at the House. The family has shared their story to help raise awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

When our son, Harry, was born in July 2023, we knew he would have a difficult start. At our 20-week scan, we were told he had congenital heart disease, which meant his heart had not developed in the usual way. We later learned he also had several other serious conditions. It was a lot to take in. When Lianne went into labour, we were taken to St Thomas’. Harry was born by C-section and struggled to breathe. Hearing his first cry felt like a miracle.

He was taken straight to intensive care. Lianne was recovering on another ward. Unlike the other new parents around us, we couldn’t be with our newborn. Instead, Harry lay in paediatric intensive care, an entirely different ward, surrounded by dedicated medical professionals but without his mum and dad.

A staff member told us about Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, and that same day we were offered a room at the Evelina London House. Walking inside for the first time, we felt safe. It was calm, welcoming, and warm. Most of all, it meant we could stay close to Harry. Instead of travelling three hours each day, we were just a short walk away. That peace of mind meant everything. After 10 days, Harry was discharged to our local hospital. We hoped life would become more stable. But three months later, everything changed when Harry became very unwell.

Doctors told us Harry had liver disease. He was moved to King’s College Hospital, London, for urgent surgery. Once again, Ronald McDonald House Charities UK stepped in. We stayed at the Camberwell House, only minutes away. On days when we did not yet have a room, I travelled back and forth on the train, exhausted and anxious. Those journeys made me understand just how important the Houses are. They are not only places to sleep. They are places to rest, to breathe and to feel human again. They give families precious stability at the hardest moments. 

As Christmas approached, we hoped to celebrate at home. Instead, Harry’s condition worsened, and he was taken to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma. We arrived late at night and were welcomed back into the Evelina London House with kindness and care. On Christmas morning, we opened our door to find gifts for George and Maisie, as well as a hamper for us. Staff who could have been at home with their own families had given up their day to make ours special. There was Christmas dinner and laughter. For a short time, we felt like a family again.

Harry became unwell again on Boxing Day, beginning weeks of infections. In mid-January he finally had open-heart surgery. Waiting for those five hours was agonising. Our room at the House became our safe place. We played cards, did laundry, and tried to stay calm. The House staff always found ways to bring moments of joy. There were Easter egg hunts, Mother’s Day treats and Angie’s “Waffle Wednesdays”. Carly made sure the kids could feed the parakeets and squirrels in the park. Sue, who had been a heart parent herself, always knew what to say. Richard and Kelly were endlessly supportive. They became like family.

After 135 days, Harry finally came home. Months later, we planned our first holiday as a reunited family. But on the first day, Harry became unwell and was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. There was no Ronald McDonald House nearby. The distance from him was painful. When he was transferred back to the Evelina, we were given a room again, and we stayed there through the school summer holidays. George and Maisie loved being at the House. They made friends, played games, and found freedom in a place where everyone understood what they were going through.

One highlight was celebrating the charity’s 35th birthday. The day was full of activities for the children and seeing George and Maisie smile meant so much. Another special moment was taking part in a film with the former professional footballer Jack Wilshere, who understood our journey through his own daughter’s health challenges. Our son George, who loves football, was thrilled to meet him, and have a kickabout. For us, it was a way to give back and help other families learn about the charity’s work. We wanted to say thank you for everything they had done for us.

Earlier this year, Harry became unwell again while we were visiting family. I stayed in a hotel with our older children while Lianne remained in hospital. Those 14 days apart reminded us how important the Houses are. Being close to your child is something no parent should lose. Before all of this, we only knew the charity from the collection boxes at McDonald’s. We had no idea how vital their support would become. Now, we tell everyone about the difference they make.

To everyone who supports Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, thank you. Your kindness keeps families close during the hardest days of their lives. It means a mother can rest. A father can stay nearby. A child can have both parents by their side. Please continue to support the charity in any way you can. Every act of generosity helps a family like ours. The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult, but the charity, Richard and the team made them just a little easier. And for that, we will be forever grateful.