"Our world crashed around us": Mabel's story

At the beginning of 2025, five-year-old Mabel became poorly with what her parents suspected was a common flu virus. As time progressed, Mabel’s health worsened and she had to be rushed to hospital where it became apparent that she would require an unexpected stay.

Mabel’s parents found themselves two hours away from home, in a new city and unsure of how they could manage their lives during this difficult time. Thankfully, with the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Mabel’s family found comfort and security at the Camberwell House.

Mabel became unwell with what we thought was a general sickness bug. When her symptoms hadn’t improved after two days, we took her to our GP who advised us that Mabel had a flu virus and to keep a close eye on her.

Within 24 hours, we noticed that Mabel had got worse, and being extremely worried, we made the decision to take her to A&E, where we were again told that she had a flu virus and there wasn’t much to be done until it passed. However, another 24 hours went by, and Mabel’s condition worsened.

Her temperature was extremely high, she was very lethargic, and she was grunting with each breath – my instincts told me that something was seriously wrong. We rushed Mabel back to A&E and this time she was quickly admitted and put on oxygen. An x-ray revealed that Mabel had pneumonia on the left lung and was immediately put on an intravenous (IV) drip for administering fluid and antibiotics. This is where our nightmare really began…

Shortly after, Mabel’s health was still deteriorating and following an ultrasound we were informed that she had fluid on her lungs. It was quickly decided that Mabel would need to be transferred from Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent to King’s College Hospital in London, a two-hour trip, for specialist care and treatment. Our world began to crash down around us as the realisation sank in of just how poorly Mabel had become and we were scared that we could potentially lose her.

Our other daughter Delilah, aged only nine months, had to stay with my parents, not knowing how long we would have to be with Mabel in London. Mabel was transferred by ambulance to King’s College Hospital and unfortunately, only one parent could travel alongside her. It was utterly heart-breaking that her dad, Michael, could not come with us, and I was feeling scared arriving in an unfamiliar place, late at night, and alone with my very poorly daughter.

Michael met me at the hospital the following morning and from that point didn’t leave our sides. That first day at the new hospital was such a blur – lots of tests, scans, x-rays, and conversations with consultants, surgeons and nurses. We were terrified about what was coming next for Mabel, but the hospital team were all amazing and explained everything to us so clearly.

On Mabel’s first morning, we chatted with a nurse who told us about Ronald McDonald House Camberwell. She made the call to the House and arranged accommodation for Michael that night and for the foreseeable future. Neither of us had heard of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK before, and we had no idea what to expect.

I didn’t leave Mabel’s side during the entire duration of her hospital stay, but as Michael wasn’t able to stay with me, the Camberwell House offered a ‘home away from home’ where he could wash clothes, cook, and sleep close to us on the ward, allowing him to be there 24/7 if we needed him. Commuting daily from our family home would have been at least a two-hour trip each way, not including traffic, and the hospital parking was limited – Ronald McDonald House Camberwell was truly a saving grace for us in our hour of need.

When I first walked into the Camberwell House, I honestly considered that I had entered the wrong building. I thought to myself that this House looked better than some hotels I have stayed in previously. Our bedroom was so spacious, with a huge comfortable bed and spotless en-suite bathroom. The communal kitchen and dining area was huge with plenty of appliances for families to use. They kindly provided a selection of snacks and drinks and even gave us lots of fridge and freezer space so we could store our own food items.

The House and staff were simply amazing. Every member of the team was so helpful, so polite, and so kind. On Valentine’s Day, they had received a generous donation of red roses and chocolate treats, and they surprised us by leaving these on our bed – it was the most sweet and touching gift.

Every Saturday, my parents would bring Delilah to visit us in the House, and we were able to spend quality time together while my parents went over to the ward to look after Mabel.

Being able to have some family ‘normal’ time again, in a clean and comfortable environment, was simply amazing. The Camberwell House had highchairs that we could use in the communal kitchen space to feed her. They had age-appropriate toys in the Playroom for her, and even just relaxing on our beds and just watching TV with her was perfect. Spending time with our baby but also knowing that Mabel was being cared for and spending time with her grandparents just a short distance away, was the biggest comfort ever.

Allowing us to stay close together during this scary time really made a huge positive impact on our awful situation. Seeing friendly and familiar faces every morning and every evening at the Camberwell House was comforting. Just knowing these people are present and available for families to care for them is amazing.

Mabel was discharged from hospital after 21 days. We were so glad to be ending this ordeal and heading back to our home, but we left the House feeling incredibly thankful.

We honestly don’t know what we would have done if it wasn’t for the accommodation at the Camberwell House and the amazing staff. Their generosity and kindness truly helped us through a very dark period of our lives and we’re so thankful to everyone from King’s College Hospital who helped get Mabel better.

Having Mabel in hospital was by far the hardest thing we have ever gone through as a family, and we felt so powerless. As a parent, you want to do whatever you can and whatever it takes to have your children happy and healthy – when your child is taken into hospital it is all out of your control. If anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation, my advice would be to seek support and comfort from close friends and family. Try and stay positive and always put a smile on your face for your children – look after yourself to stay strong so you can look after them.

When we were going through this traumatic experience, we kept asking ourselves, “Why our daughter? Why our family?”. But the truth is, illness doesn’t discriminate. Having been generously provided with accommodation and support from Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, we’d encourage anyone to donate, because you never know, it could be you and your family needing to use their services one day.

My family and I have donated some money and purchased items for the House since, and we intend to do some fundraising in the future. Having seen where the fundraising money and donations go, and what an impact it has on families, it’s easily one of the most rewarding charities to donate to.