Emily's story

Three years ago, a little girl called Emily from Cheadle Hulme began treatment at Manchester Children's Hospitals for a rare form of kidney cancer found in only 50-75 children in the UK each year. She had a hard area in her side that her doctors diagnosed as a Wilms Tumour.

Emily had scans and surgery and was in hospital for an initial period of eight weeks, followed by numerous short stays during chemotherapy treatment.

Emily Access to the latest equipment helped doctors with Emily's diagnosis and treatment and for her parents, being able to stay at the hospital with Emily was a real blessing. They stayed in Ledbrooke House, the hospital's parents accommodation.

Having somewhere private away from the ward to stay meant that they could unpack clothes, cook a meal, take a shower and lead as normal a life as possible at a very difficult time - especially as they had a new baby to care for as well.

The things that made a difference to Emily and her family are the things at the heart of this appeal:

the best equipment for diagnosis and treatment
and facilities for families to stay together.

Emily is now five, in remission and doing well.

The new children’s hospital will care for thousands of children like Emily across Manchester and the North West.

Your support can help us shape the future

"We have no doubt that the Children's Hospitals saved Emily's life and we are so grateful. With a newborn to care for as well as Emily it's fair to say that the parental accommodation saved our sanity."

Neil and Shirley, Emily's Parents