Leo's story

Anneke, Leo’s nanny, explains: “He had a bug in his stomach which was highly contagious to other children and could make them really ill, so he stayed in his room. The only time he would leave was when the physio took him out in his wheelchair, but he wasn’t allowed to touch anything or spend time with other children. I tried to make things as much fun as I could - we spent a lot of time playing Junior Monopoly with me, Leo and his favourite soft toy Benny. Benny always used to win! But being in one room all day, every day, is hard. It was hard enough for me, and I could step out every now and again, so it was really hard for Leo.

“But this is where Demelza came in and gave us a break. I needed it but the impact on Leo was amazing. The look of pure joy on Leo’s face when the nurses from Demelza first visited - I’ve never seen him look so happy. When I came back he didn’t want them to go! From that first visit, Demelza started visiting Leo a couple of times a month.

“It was something for Leo to look forward to – you never knew what books or toys they were going to bring, there was always something different or exciting going on. We made slime, we even made a volcano! He loved it. We all enjoyed it - we got to make so many memories together.

“It was just so nice for him to be with someone different. In the hospital it was the same nurses, the same doctors, and although they were lovely, to have a different face come in and have fun, that made a real difference to Leo. It just took his mind off everything going on.

And it wasn’t just Leo who got a break from things – having Demelza there meant the whole family had the chance to take a breath.

“If Demelza weren’t there I don’t think Leo would have been quite so happy. Without Demelza, my husband Steve and I wouldn’t have had any time together - either one of us was always needed at the hospital, so to be able to get out and have a meal together, a couple of hours away from it all, it was just so nice. Then to come back and see Leo really happy - it made a huge difference to us all.

When Leo was finally well enough to leave hospital, Demelza’s support continued, and they still visit Leo today.

“When Leo first came home, he still needed medications, and the Demelza nurses could take care of that, so if we needed to go out we knew we didn’t have to worry. Now he’s much better, Demelza will take him out for the day – Leo loves going to McDonalds or they might take him to spend his pocket money at a toy shop, visit a castle, play crazy golf, or go to the arcade! Or they will just spend time with him at home – doing cooking and arts and crafts. It makes a big difference to Leo. It makes him feel very special.

“He gets a break from us as well. I think it’s quite hard for him living with older relatives, so it’s nice to go out with someone else. We can relax completely, knowing he’s safe and having fun and we can look forward to him coming home all excited. Even just going to get a McDonalds with Demelza – he’s so happy.

“Demelza have also taken Leo on days out with another child and they’ve become friends, which is so nice. They enjoy spending time together and they get on really well - they’re a good match. It’s nice for Leo not to feel like he’s the only one – for him to see himself in other children who are in a similar position.

“We’ve had a few different nurses from Demelza support us over the years but Leo definitely has a couple of favourites! There’s a real special bond there. He’ll always have those lovely memories with them, and I think that’s really special.”

For Leo, Demelza means getting to go out and have fun!

Leo says: “My favourite thing about the Demelza nurses is that they take me out. I liked going to Leeds Castle - we went to the play area and got ice cream. We went to Smiths toys and the arcade too, and I really like it when we go to McDonalds. I always get a double cheeseburger, medium fries and a coke!

“I’ve also made a friend who comes out with us. We talk about Roblox and Minecraft, and we play together in the park.

“I like it when we go out, but also when we stay in and do cooking. We make cookies and brownies - with extra chocolate chips! I remember making a pizza too.

“Being in hospital was boring. But getting visits from Demelza meant it wasn’t so boring, they did arts and crafts with me and I really looked forward to it. The best thing about Demelza is fun.”