Wish stories

When Phoebe was 14, she was diagnosed with lupus, a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. Her condition was manageable for several years up until two years ago, when she suffered a life-threatening flare up, which inflamed multiple organs, including her brain.

“The medications she’d been using suddenly didn’t work and she lost movement in her right limbs. She had a seizure and was rushed to hospital, where she had to spend the next six months. While she was there, she went downhill and had to be put in a medically induced coma. When she woke up, she’d lost the ability to communicate, eat, walk or comprehend anything.” shared Phoebe’s dad, Wayne.

The impact on Phoebe was immense as she was halfway through her A-Levels - her life as she knew it completely changed. Whilst her friends were progressing and going on to university, she was fighting for her life.

Now 19, Phoebe is currently on the road to recovery, although her life looks very different nowadays, as she is re-connecting with old friends and catching up on her studies. She currently attends a SEND school, focusing on her main passion in life, music and performing arts, as well as being taught maths and English by her dad.

Whilst Phoebe was in hospital, her music therapist, Hannah at Evelina Children’s Hospital, referred her for a wish. As she and her brother are huge fans, Phoebe knew immediately that she wanted to attend a My Chemical Romance concert for her wish!

On the day, Phoebe enjoyed a lie-in and was especially excited to do her makeup and pick out special clothes to wear. After an amazing meal at Wagamama’s, the family headed to Wembley Stadium, where Skunk Anansie were opening, followed by a theatrical performance by My Chemical Romance!

“When they came on stage, everyone was cheering and there were fireworks,” recalled Phoebe. “They were really good performers.”

“They played the whole of the Black Parade album. I didn’t know much about them before but I came away as a fan.” added dad.

Phoebe and her family now have treasured memories to look back on, after an extremely difficult time.