Critically ill child Ramsay’s wish to have a family holiday granted thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Ramsay from Armadale, Scotland had always been an outdoorsy and outgoing little boy, so his parents knew there was something seriously wrong when he suddenly seemed drained of energy.
“February 2018 is constantly engrained in my brain. He was four years old,” explained Lisa, Ramsay’s mum. “We’d taken him to see a pantomime in Edinburgh, and he didn’t seem quite right. We took him to the GP, who said it was viral, and to bring him back in ten days if he didn’t get better. He just wanted to sleep. A few days later, his granny phoned up and we took him straight up our local hospital, and it snowballed from there.”
A series of blood tests revealed the shocking diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, news that no young child should ever have to comprehend.
Ramsay endured many years of gruelling treatment, spending weeks at a time in hospital away from family, friends and school. After finding out he could have a wish through Make-A-Wish UK, a wish granting charity for critically ill children, Ramsay chose a family holiday to the Isle of Wight. Ramsay absolutely loves being outside in nature, so a special family trip sounded like the perfect respite after years of treatment. Having visited many years ago and with fond memories of the place, Ramsay was keen to make some more!
Ramsay’s mum said “The sea was the first place Ramsay wanted to go after he got his central line, which he called Wiggly, removed so we spent several days at the beach in our new wetsuits on boogie boards. We also took a boat trip along the coastline, visited Osborne House, played crazy golf, played on what we call the jungle jims – 2p machines – and went to an old-fashioned tearoom.”
Ramsay’s favourite moments of the trip were the days the family spent on the beach, even when it was freezing cold! For his mum, it was simply the irreplaceable feeling of seeing him playing like a carefree child.
“There were no hospitals – it was almost like that happened in a past life. It was nice to see him being himself and enjoying things, giggling and enjoying life.”
The trip was particularly special, as along with Ramsay’s parents and sisters, they were joined by his grandparents and auntie and uncle as well, giving the whole family a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Ramsay’s remission together.
Mum, Lisa reflected on the wish; ‘You don’t have control over your life when your child goes through treatment and Ramsay’s wish was that light at the end of the tunnel – making memories, laughing and having fun. We didn’t get to do that before as we were always worrying about an infection or a temperature or having to go into hospital. We were able to be there through the generosity of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and we are so grateful.”
Now 12, Ramsay is thankfully in remission and slowly getting back to his usual sporty self, though he still experiences a little weakness in his legs. He is currently working on getting his strength back up through football, playing for one of his local teams.
This special experience was granted thanks to charity Make-A-Wish UK and funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Thanks to the generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, Make-A-Wish UK has been awarded £900,000 over three years, which will help to grant thousands of wishes for critically ill children across the UK, just like Ramsay.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Thanks to the players we continue to be able to provide much needed family breaks for children just like Ramsay at a time when they need it most. Children deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness. Ramsay's story highlights just how much wishes provide a much-needed escape for a child from the gruelling reality of living with a critical illness and the lasting impact of a wish on the whole family"
“It’s incredible to see the difference players’ support makes to children like Ramsay and their families. I’m delighted that funding raised by our players is helping Make-A-Wish UK create magical moments like this. Every wish granted is a reminder of the power of hope and happiness during the toughest times.”
For more information about People's Postcode Lottery's charitable initiatives, visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk/goodcauses
Find out more about Ramsay's wish.
