Ronald McDonald House

"Our son Owen was born on October 30th 2006 and for two months everything seemed normal. On December 29th my wife Louise took Owen for a routine check up at our GP’s and immediate concern was raised about his well being, he was rushed by ambulance to our local hospital, and following an examination by a cardiologist, it was identified that Owen had transposition of the great arteries and multiple holes in his heart. Owen was immediately taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital by ambulance, and we then followed by car, not knowing where we were going or what lay ahead

Owen James
30/10/2006 to
19/03/2007

for us. We arrived at the hospital late in the evening, and spent the first night taking Owen for numerous tests, and eventually snatched an hour or so' sleep around the bed.

The following morning the dreadful realisation of what was happening hit home, we were in a strange city, 80 or so miles from home with a very sick child. The hospital gave me a form to take Ronald McDonald House to sort out accommodation for us, I took directions from the nurse and made my way up the hill to the house. The welcome I received at the house took me aback, I was greeted with a smiling face, kind words and I immediately felt that we had some support, these people had met countless families like us and they understood exactly what we were going through and new exactly what to say to make us feel like we were at home.



Grant with Owen’s 2 siblings, Lewis and Ruby

We stayed at the house for 4 weeks, grateful for the respite it was giving us from the hospital, we were able to cook for ourselves, chat with other families who were in the same position us, and carry out all of our normal day to day activities, whilst still being close to Owen, the room even had a telephone that allowed you to ring directly to Owen's nurse. Our oldest son Lewis was also able to stay with us and spend time with his brother.

Owen had multiple operations but his progress was good and we were fortunate enough to return home with him at the end of January. Sadly after 4 weeks at home, Owen's condition deteriorated and we had to return to Bristol. This time things were not so easy, when we arrived in December the hospital was quiet and we were lucky enough to get a room at Ronald McDonald House straight away, this time things were busy and the demand for rooms at the house was so much that we had to join a waiting list. It made this visit to the hospital so much more difficult, we had nowhere to stay and had to make do with chairs around Owen's bed to be near him. We were lucky enough to eventually get a room at the house on our second visit.

We were devastated when Owen lost his short but courageous fight on 19th March 2007, his tiny body had had to deal with more than what most people would have to deal with in a lifetime. As a family, we are still trying to deal with the loss of Owen, and he will always be a huge part of our lives".

Grant’s friends with their medals after running Bristol’s Half Marathon 2009 in aid of RMH Bristol

Thank you Grant

Since his first stay with us in 2007, Grant has become a truly inspirational supporter of RMH Bristol. As well as his own tireless efforts to fundraise on our behalf, he’s also encouraged his friends, family and even his employer to get involved. Grant has raised over £3,000 for the charity and has therefore been honoured with a plaque outside a bedroom in the House, dedicated in memory of his precious boy,

Owen.

If you’d like to be a LOUD buddy like Grant you can click here to find out more information and get started today.