How your donations make a difference: Nuala’s Story
Each year, Alder Hey provides care to over 450,000 children and young people. Behind every statistic is a personal story—stories of courage, hope, and resilience. One such story is that of Nuala, whose life was transformed by the expert care she received and the generosity of our supporters.
At just 10 months old, Nuala was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer known as Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. This uncommon form of cancer presents significant challenges in diagnosis due to its subtle symptoms and rarity. Fortunately, the hospital had access to specialist diagnostic equipment—funded through charitable donations—which enabled the medical team to identify her condition early.
Early diagnosis was critical. Nuala underwent surgery to remove the affected eye, followed by a course of treatment delivered by Alder Hey’s dedicated paediatric oncology team. Her care was not only clinically outstanding but delivered with the compassion and reassurance that families so desperately need during such a traumatic time.
Now two years old, Nuala is a vibrant, healthy, and confident toddler. She enjoys spending time with her older brother, Jack, and is proud to represent Alder Hey as a fundraising ambassador, helping to raise awareness and inspire others with her story.
Her mum, Megan, shared:
“When Nuala was diagnosed with cancer, we had no idea how we would put one foot in front of the other. But Alder Hey put the colour back into our world. The support we received was priceless. Donations paid for equipment that detected Nuala’s cancer early, allowing treatment to start quickly. We’ve seen first-hand how those donations also make a child’s stay in hospital brighter and more comfortable.”
Nuala’s story is a powerful reminder of the real and lasting impact that charitable giving can have. Every donation to Alder Hey Children’s Charity helps fund life-saving equipment, innovative treatments, and facilities that support not just the child, but their entire family during the most difficult times.
By donating to Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you are making stories like Naula’s possible by investing in better outcomes for children, faster diagnoses, and more positive hospital experiences. Together, we can continue to transform lives and create brighter, happier and healthier futures.
