A family and members of St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service care team headed to the home of English football for an unforgettable afternoon, thanks to Together for Short Lives.
Eleven-year-old Hayden Mcdonald, his twin brother Kole, younger brother Jack (10), and mum Beth Dawson, enjoyed exclusive access to the iconic Wembley Stadium and its legendary pitch on 10th December.
It was the first time Wembley has opened its doors in this way to a group of children and families who access care services in hospices across the UK.
Participants got to take part in skills and drills, have a guided tour of the stadium – including visiting the players’ dressing room – and take turns scoring penalties against Together for Short Lives’ Chief Executive, Nick Carroll.
The event was organised by Together for Short Lives, the UK’s leading children’s palliative care charity, which raises money and campaigns for the UK’s 54 children’s hospices, including St Oswald’s Hospice, based in Gosforth.
It was also made possible thanks to soft drinks manufacturer and sponsors of the Carabao Cup, Carabao.
Hayden uses a wheelchair and has complex medical needs.
He attends monthly short breaks at St Oswald’s Hospice.
Hayden, Kole, Jack and Beth were also supported on the day by two members of St Oswald’s Hospice care team – Helen Gair (Junior Sister) and Heather Tilmouth (Nursing Associate).
Holly Smith, Matron of St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service, said:
“This Wembley trip was such an incredible experience, and we’re so pleased we were able to arrange for one of our families to take part on the day.
“When a family is supporting a child with a life-limiting condition, siblings can often miss out on opportunities, so the fact Hayden’s brothers were able to join him, along with mum, for this once-in-a-lifetime event was incredible.
“Thank you to Together for Short Lives and to Carabao for providing such a memorable early Christmas present!”
Nick Carroll, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives, said:
“St Oswald’s Hospice plays such a crucial role in the lives of children and young people like Hayden, and we are so happy he and his family were able to join us for this unforgettable afternoon.
“No matter how old you are, many of us dream about walking out that tunnel and heading onto the hallowed Wembley turf. This dream came true for some truly remarkable children and young people, and we are endlessly grateful to Carabao for making that happen.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make dreams come true for one of our families!
