Caitlin

Catlin Stuart from Bristol was born with only 20 per cent function in one kidney, and nothing from the other and so she has been a patient in the Children’s hospital Renal ward since she was born. "Caitlin is 16 months old now, but she's spent thirteen of those in hospital," says mum Rachael. So far she has had fourteen separate operations, and a stream of potentially fatal illnesses.
"I didn't leave the hospital for two weeks after she was born, and she didn't come home at all for about four months. At only two days old Caitlin had her first surgery, which was so worrying for all of us," continues Rachael,"it's so painful seeing someone so small having to undergo something like that."

And with three other kids to care for - Mason, Cole and Kai - it's been tough for the entire family.

"The hospital staff have been amazing, and the play workers are absolutely fabulous," enthuses Rachael "There's a woman called Julia who teaches the kids about music, and Caitlin's face absolutely lights up when she sees her coming in with her trolley."

"Caitlin is such a happy child, always smiling, and to look at her you wouldn't know anything was wrong with her."

"But she wouldn't be the loving, mischievous minx that she is were it not for all the things the hospital staff and play workers have done for her."