Every time my story is read aloud, I do feel humbled and so very proud because I still find it hard to sometimes see that once upon a time that tiny baby was me.
I can’t even imagine how my family must have felt, trying to deal with the hand of cards they had been dealt.
Seeing someone you love stop breathing and turn blue must have been horrifying and scary if only they knew that a place would come along full of so much hope, with people who could help them both to cope.
This place was Great Ormond Street Hospital so wonderful and rare, with doctors and nurses so willing to care they show compassion and support like never before, from the very first moment you set foot through the door.
Patience and empathy demonstrate true human greatness, staff in this hospital shows these qualities they possess.
I left that hospital my bright shining star, with my zip and two buttons that’s what we called my scar I’ve grown to realise my scar is a small price to pay because without it I would not be alive today.
It is because of the amazing hospital teams that I am able to stand here and achieve my dreams I want to say thank you and do something for them in return, to challenge myself and hopefully learn.
Now I’m no good at swimming and I definitely can’t run, but one thing I do enjoy is having loads of fun so I’m going to raise lots of money, have fun and then climb Mount Kilimanjaro for the challenge of a lifetime.
I’d appreciate if you could help me to achieve my ambition so that Great Ormond Street Hospital can continue their mission to help enhance and save the lives of the children who stay, just like they did when they saved my life that day.
Katie Kilgallon, February 2010 xxx
