Tuesday 28 February 2012

Out of order, but....

I wanted to blog today about today, and then blog about the NEC weekend (last weekend) tomorrow, when I've sussed my camera out....so I am!

So today, we did another fantastic trip to great ormond street hospital. We crafted with some brilliant kids, and got to meet the doctor, Suellen, who specialises in the field of pain research, and who will be working in the new neurosensory laboratory.

As usual what an enlightening and emotional visit. Dr Clark is an amazing woman, the new laboratory will be only one of approximately 4 in the world to be a research facility based in the hospital - yet the research done here will benefit children all over the world. And not just children, the work done will actually see how we react to pain, and how that develops later in life (mentally and physically) so therefore things that need to be treated differently or avoided for risk of future negative reactions can be learnt and applied. The work is astounding. Prem babies do not have a developed nervous system and work here has already shown how they react differently compared to full term babies - and how it effects them in later life. I recon pain is something we all know a lot about, so we can all relate to this one, but when you hear about the work being done they really do investigate things in such complexity and depth.

It was such a good visit, what a fantastic hospital. Today it was very busy. For me, it's seeing parents who are visibly upset - as I can directly relate. However we don't go on the wards, I'm pretty sure a baby ward specifically would make me shed more than a few tears. Yet here are all these brave kids, and so many people on so many levels working to help them on every twist and turn on, what must be, such a traumatic and scary time.

Personally I thought today would be tricky emotionally. 5 years ago this week our Jacob was on a life support machine and we hadn't a clue what was going to happen - but i think experiencing such intense emotions just allows me a greater depth of respect for all the staff, and obviously I feel for those poor parents, who have to take every day as it comes.

I'm very proud to be associated with this campaign and really hope we manage to reach the target.

At work we're doing a bake-a-thon. I can't bake, but I can buy and eat - ( obviously only as the cash is for charity :). Hopefully this year we'll be able to do a few more things as well....thinking caps on!!

The GOSH event launches next week on Tuesday - please have a nosey on c&c and ideal world to see if you "need" anything (£1 will be made to GOSH from every order) or can make a donation.

Thank you so much xx

- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

10 comments:

Sheena Lecky said...

Very touching account of your day Leonie. Such emotion for you as well. I'm sure that all the C&C family of customers will contribute to such a worthy cause. Hats off to you and the team for highlighting it. It's not out of order at all chick, genuine charity fundraising should be highlighted at any given opportunity, and you just did your wee bit, that's all. Best of luck with it and well done. xxxxx

Jeanette Ball said...

You're an absolute star Leonie. We're going on holiday next week but I'll buy something before I go, no matter what! xxx

Tracy said...

You are a star, thinking of others when you have your own memories and emotions to deal with shows everyone what a truly inspirational person you are. I wish you well and give a prayer to your Son and hope that all your followers help you to reach your target. Best wishes to you and yours. Tracy xx

Carole Z said...

Thank you for sharing your experience Leonie; go for it,Charity fundraising should be highlighted at every opportunity & I am sure Create & Craft customers will do you and all the wonderful team proud again this year...you're a true star! Hugs, Carole Z XX

Jane Worrall said...

I personally think you're a pretty brave girl yourself - most people would shy away from getting invovled with children/babies in light of what happened to your family. But no, in with two feet and putting yourself second...... thats why the crafting loves you so much. I admire you - don't think I could do what you do, well done.x

Leonie pujol said...

Thank you for your comments ladies, your very kind. When you see what those kids have to go through you don't feel brave, just humble. One little boy had a heart and lung transplant and was so bright and shiny - and his parents have to live with and eventually face the fact the organs may only last 10 years. And the people at GOSH face that day in day out. Phew, imagine the heart wrenching days they go through. Loosing Jacob was indeed traumatic and devastating, but I still consider myself exceptionally lucky, and learnt so much from it. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger - amen to that one!!

Shirley Davis (crafter) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vee Cassidy said...

Thank you for sharing this I used to work with children and was always awed and hombled by their resilience and capacity for love. I have myriad health issues but apart from one or two worrying blips my grown up sons are okay (please God it stays that way). I can bear it being me but not children. I think you wil do a better job for these children than most because of your experiences but you are so brave All the best, Vee xx

Shirley Davis (crafter) said...

My apologies - I had to delete my first post just now as I made an error.

I remember you & Jacob every February, Leonie. Now you are using that pain to be the person you are and to reach out to help those that will benefit from the GOSH fundraising.

Neuroscience has come a long way but anything that helps the medics comprehend how we feel pain has to be yet more progress.

christinaglitter said...

Leonie thank you for sharing your day with us. Emotional time for you ,had tears reading this . You are in my thoughts. Thanks to you and C&C team more people will know more about this great hospital . Will check the web site out and give my support. All best with this worthy charity and well done xxxx