Mum joins Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards to thank Salisbury Hospital after son diagnosed with rare blood disorder

A Salisbury mum whose son was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder is taking part in a sponsored walk to thank Salisbury District Hospital and the Stars Appeal for going “above and beyond” to care for him.

Emma Liu and her son Remy, aged two, will be joining walkers from across the local community at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 5th at Wilton House.

In December last year, Remy was rushed to the hospital when he had a severe nosebleed. As Emma recalls: “It got to 45 minutes, and the bleeding still hadn’t stopped. It was really scary. To see Remy in hospital was a shock to the system - nothing prepares you for when your child gets seriously ill.”

Remy was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a rare blood disorder that affects his platelets, causing an increased risk of bruising and bleeding, and spent three days on the Sarum Children’s Ward. Remy has monthly hospital check-ups to monitor his condition.

During Remy’s time in hospital, he has benefited from additional facilities that the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, provide on the Children’s Unit.

Emma, aged 28, said: “The playrooms and sensory room were invaluable when Remy was in hospital and gave him a calming space to be in. The Stars Appeal Play Assistant delivered toys to Remy’s bedside so he could play in his room. When he was feeling better he loved spending time in the playroom - the choice of toys was endless.  It would have been a very miserable stay in hospital if it wasn’t broken up with all the fantastic play facilities to distract him.

“Even now, when we go to hospital appointments, he says he’s going to play. The toys and the child-friendly facilities make him forget that he's about to be poked with needles. Visiting the hospital feels more like a play day with important medical care in between.”

Home comforts funded by the Stars Appeal also helped make Emma’s stay in hospital with Remy more comfortable. She said, “When Remy was admitted, it was such a rush to get a bag packed that we forgot a few important things. It was such a relief to have the Stars Appeal toiletries and to be able to have a shower. We were helped endlessly by the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, I was able to keep my family updated, and when Remy was feeling better, he could play on his tablet.

“Everyone on Sarum Ward and the Stars Appeal have gone above and beyond to help Remy. We want to support the hospital and the Stars Appeal to continue providing all these great things that make hospital stays for children like Remy less scary.”

It is free to register for Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 5^th at Wilton House, and participants can walk the 3k, 5k, 10k, or 15k route. Entry includes lunch and admission to the Wilton House gardens and adventure playground.

Walkers are asked to sign up in advance and raise at least £20/£50 sponsorship per person (route dependent) for their chosen ward or department. To register, visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/ or call 01722 429005.