So many people have helped us: naming them risks forgetting some – you know who you are. This is an attempt at publicly saying Thank You! 2/
Our GP team spotted something was wrong in November, which led to initial hospital admission. GP support has been practical and kind. 3/
The Children’s Haematology and Oncology team at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children cared for us well, broke bad news to us compassionately that first weekend [and are still looking after us well]. 4/
Ultimately he was diagnosed with a one/two-in-a-million condition with bleak prognosis unless he received a bone marrow transplant in Bristol. 5/
(not enough kids in Northern Ireland require treatment to sustain a bone marrow transplant unit in Belfast) 6/
And then the wait began, looking for the right donor match, and for the threat of a chicken pox episode to subside. 7/
Frequent clinic appointments and dressing changes became our ‘new normal’ through winter with support from South Eastern HSC community nurses. 8/
Meanwhile our son’s haemoglobin levels kept dropping. He wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for blood donors – like you? 9/
The search for a bone marrow donor ultimately led to a young German who matched perfectly: 57mls of life! 10/
Our son would have life-threatening leukaemia today if it wasn’t for that bone marrow donor. Find out more by searching for the Anthony Nolan Trust /11
We left home in early April, and went to Bristol via Oxford for a procedure through the Future Fertility Trust at John Radcliffe Hospital /12
Our home was “Sam’s House” – we don’t know what we would have done without this CLIC Sargent facility and the community within. /13
The Bristol University architecture and spaces, especially Royal Fort Gardens, were an oasis for clearing the mind and a godsend for kids burning off energy! /14
Entire Oncology/BMT team (Ward 34 and Day Beds) at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children gave outstanding care to our family… /16
…I love it when “multidisciplinary teams” work (and these are just the ones with whom we had contact): administrators, anaesthetists,… /17
…chaplains, consultants, dieticians, doctors, hotel services assistants, nurses and nursing assistants, pharmacists, physios,… /18
…play specialists, surgeons, teachers, and more – together they gave truly competent and compassionate care. /19
Treatment far from home means we have shared highs and lows with staff and other patients’ parents who we might never see again. Thank you. /20
To our family and friends, feeling even more helpless than we do, thank you for simply being present. So encouraged by you. /21
Your emails, cards, gifts, messages, food, cheques, pet-care, prophecies and physical presence have been the grace of God in action. /22
We’re particularly thankful for the practical + loving support we’ve received from our Methodist Church family, in Ballynahinch and beyond. /23
Our church leaders @ Ballynahinch Methodist kindly made arrangements for my extended absence + have faithfully led our people in prayer. /24
We’re staying in Ballynahinch this year but I stop being the Methodist minister next week; so pleased to welcome Ruth Craig in my stead. /25
The boys’ school has been so understanding & caring for our three pupils during the trauma of diagnosis and through their long absence. /26
The whole school and Ballynahinch Baptist Church raised funds for us that helped with travel and other costs related to treatment – thank you! /27
People have been so kind and thoughtful across this island, across denominations, across the globe. Body of Christ is a beautiful thing. /28
Here’s my hero ringing the bell to mark end of treatment http://bit.ly/2sL3dtU. He’s gone through so much so far. God is good. /29
MegaMorph was outside Bristol Children’s Hospital for 2 days. We were there for two months. But now we’re home! /31
What’s next? Our son could take months to fully recover, and simple illnesses can still be dangerous to him. But healing will come! /32
Forgive us if we avoid you if you’re sniffling! Please keep praying for his protection, complete restoration and God’s glory in the story. /33
And pray right now (if you don’t mind 🙂 for his recovery from an undiagnosed infection that’s hospitalised him this week. /34
Through it all, hundreds of people have been praying for our son and family. Thank you. God’s peace, hope, love and joy are real. /35
