BIG Wish Appeal – Ivy’s Story
For nine-year-old Ivy, life is full of creativity, imagination and rugby league.
A passionate Warrington Wolves supporter, Ivy loves singing, dancing, crafting and playing games with her younger brother. Like many children her age, she enjoys watching YouTube Kids and Disney films, playing games on her Kindle and creating imaginative worlds with her Barbies.
But Ivy has also spent much of her life in hospital.
Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a complex congenital heart condition, Ivy has been cared for by Alder Hey since birth. She has undergone three open-heart surgeries, alongside several other procedures, and has spent months of her childhood on hospital wards.
During those long admissions, entertainment became far more than simply something to pass the time.
“The TV was really important to Ivy during her last two surgeries,” her mum explains. “She was in bed for several days afterwards and even when she could move, she could only get as far as the chair in her room. It provided distraction and some normality.”
Recovery after major surgery can be physically and emotionally exhausting. While Ivy enjoyed sensory activities, crafts and drawing, there were times when she was simply too tired to take part.
“The TV helped her rest and recover,” her mum says. “The days are really long when you’re stuck in one room, so having a variety of things to do is incredibly important.”
For Ivy herself, entertainment helped transform long days spent in bed.
“It stopped me being bored when I couldn’t move anywhere,” she says.
After surgery, Ivy needed regular finger-prick blood tests. While nothing could distract her completely during the procedure itself, having something familiar afterwards made a real difference.
“Watching a favourite TV programme afterwards and having hugs helped her calm down and focus on something else,” says her mum.
For families, those moments matter too.
“When your child is in hospital, it can feel like you’re constantly in survival mode,” her mum explains. “Seeing your child smile or laugh is the best feeling. It helps us feel calmer and more relaxed as well.”
Technology can also play a vital role in helping children stay connected to life beyond hospital walls.
Ivy missed her first month of school following one of her surgeries.
“She had her operation the day before she was due to start school,” her mum says. “It would have been lovely if she could have dialled into the classroom to say hello to her classmates or join story time. It would have helped her feel included during such an important milestone.”
Being able to connect with family was equally important, particularly when visiting restrictions meant Ivy couldn’t always see loved ones.
“Being able to video call her brother or see family members on a bigger screen would have been hugely beneficial.”
For Ivy, the ideal hospital entertainment system would include Disney+, Netflix, Kids YouTube, games, music and the ability to video call friends and family.
For her family, modern technology is about much more than entertainment.
“Until you’re in that situation, you don’t realise how much something as simple as a TV can support your child’s wellbeing,” says her mum. “It’s a comfort from home. It gives children choice, familiarity and a sense of control.”
By supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s appeal, donors can help provide children like Ivy with access to modern entertainment technology that reduces anxiety, eases boredom and helps make hospital feel a little more like home.
“It helps children forget they’re in hospital for a moment,” says Ivy’s mum. “And sometimes, that’s exactly what they need.”
