"The hospital saved Adam. The House saved us”: Adam’s story

A day just like any other was suddenly turned upside down for 13-year-old Adam and his family, when he was hit by a car in a serious accident. Thrown into a spiral of uncertainty, Adam’s mum, Emma, needed to be by his hospital bedside. But with another child and being far from home, the pressures were mounting up. In their time of need, Ronald McDonald House Manchester was able to provide support and comfort, easing their burden, and allowing Emma and her family the opportunity to care for themselves so they could care for Adam through his recovery.

On Friday 7 March 2025, Adam was involved in a serious road traffic collision. Having been knocked down by a car as a pedestrian, he was intubated at the scene and was rushed to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Major Trauma Unit by the North West Air Ambulance. His injuries included a severe head injury, fractures to his pelvis, a lung contusion, and facial wounds. I was told about his accident by one of his friends, who was kindly driven to our house by a member of the public.  The relentless banging on the front door is a sound I will never forget.

Adam’s condition was serious and time critical, so our main concern was getting him to hospital quickly.  Unfortunately, Adam’s little brother Ayaan unavoidably had to attend the scene of the accident and was taken by his grandparents to their home for the night. Over the following few hours, it began to dawn on us how far from home we were (13 miles) and how likely it was that Ayaan would be with his grandparents for more than just one night. It would ,in fact, turn out to be three months.

Initially, we were given a room in the hospital while Adam was on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). While it did the job and we were very grateful, it was quite basic for our needs. Spending all our time at Adam’s bedside, we used that room to just grab a couple of hours’ sleep here and there.

The nurses on the ward told us about Ronald McDonald House Manchester and asked if we would like to be referred to get a bedroom, and in all honesty, I didn’t want to make a fuss at the time. The hospital accommodation we had been provided with was fine, and I didn’t want to take a bedroom from somebody that might have needed it more.

After a couple of days, we made the trip home to see Ayaan and get some fresh clothes. Although we didn’t live hundreds of miles away, with the traffic, a quick trip home could take hours and would make me feel extremely anxious to get back to the hospital.

The turning point for us came the day that the consultant showed us images from Adam’s brain scan. His prognosis was bleak, with the surgeons confirming that their options were limited, and a long road of rehabilitation lay ahead – not weeks, but months, perhaps even years. They discussed moving Adam to another ward, and this is when I felt panic start to set in. With Adam was no longer under the care of the PICU ward, we would lose our hospital room. Thankfully, the nurses sprang into action and soon after we were told a room was available at Ronald McDonald House Manchester.

As we arrived at the House, we were greeted by one of the lovely House Assistants who took us on a tour and showed us to our bedroom – we were overcome with a mixture of emotions.  We couldn’t believe that we had access to such amazing facilities, it really was a ‘home away from home’. They had literally thought of everything a family would need – you name it, they’ve got it.

We just kept saying to ourselves: “is this all of this is for us to use?”. We managed to keep it together until we were handed our key card and left alone in our bedroom.  Then the tears came. Whilst the House was amazing, we also couldn’t believe that it had come to this, and we were leaving our home and ‘moving in’. I remember asking the House Assistant how long we could stay, and I remember her saying: “as long as Adam is in hospital.” I asked: “even if it’s months… if it’s a year?” and she replied: “yes.”

Not having to spend time travelling back and forth, deciding who would stay with Adam at his side and who would go home each day, definitely had a positive impact on Adam’s recovery and on our own mental health. Removing the stress of constant travelling, traffic, and parking took a huge weight off our shoulders. Having a place where we could rest, recharge, and freshen up, knowing that we were only across the road from the ward, meant that we were able to relax and come back ready to fight another day.

Having the bedroom at the Manchester House meant that Adam’s little brother, Ayaan, could come and spend weekends and school holidays with us. The team at the Manchester House always had activities and events to keep the children entertained. Ayaan loved the football activities with Manchester City in the Community, and the special parties for occasions like Easter.

Ayaan especially loved to be there to play in the big garden. We had some warm, sunny weather during our stay and the garden was a lovely place to relax away from the hospital ward. It was even better when Adam was feeling well enough and the doctors gave permission, we were able to take him over to the House using their Medical Pass programme, to enjoy the garden too.

I remember on the morning of Mother’s Day, I was so caught up with Adam and his treatment that I hadn’t even realised what day it was. This is where the House goes the extra mile for families. I opened our bedroom door and found a Mother’s Day card and personalised gift on the doorstep. I felt so special in that moment, and to look down the corridor seeing all the little bags outside everyone’s door just melted my heart.

Thinking about our situation, if we hadn’t had Ronald McDonald House Manchester to support us and provided us with the amazing accommodation, life would’ve been very difficult. It doesn’t bear thinking about that we would have had to leave Adam alone in his hospital bed every night – especially in those early days when he was unable to communicate. Staying at the House meant that we could be present for every mealtime, shower, doctor’s appointment, physio session – all his treatments and recovery. Adam never had to face anything alone, and for that I will be forever grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

Our stay at the House lasted for three months and leaving was really emotional. We were all looking forward to going home and back to our lives, but we were also apprehensive about leaving the safety, security, and what had become a familiar bubble of the hospital and the House.

If any family finds themselves suddenly in a situation like ours, with a child unexpectedly in hospital, ask the hospital team if there’s a Ronald McDonald House nearby. Not only is there the opportunity to have a bedroom and a supportive place to stay, but they can also even give you a space to take time away from the hospital with their Day Pass programme. You can use the facilities to relax and recharge – even if it’s just for the day, you will feel better for it. Remember to make time for yourself, easier said than done, I know…  you can’t pour from an empty cup.

We cannot thank Ronald McDonald House Charities UK enough for all that they’ve done for us during the worst time of our lives.

The hospital saved Adam’s life. The Manchester House saved ours.