When our precious daughter, Tabitha—known lovingly as Tabby—was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, our world stopped. As parents, we were suddenly thrown into a reality filled with fear, uncertainty, and decisions no family is ever prepared to face. Tabby’s condition was complex. Alongside chemotherapy, she would need a liver transplant. Her liver was filled with tumours that had to be removed before transplantation could even be considered.

The emotional weight was overwhelming. We knew our daughter was fighting for her life, and we were determined to stay by her side every step of the way—no matter how difficult the road ahead became.

A Journey Far from Home

Tabby’s treatment began in Cardiff, where she received regular chemotherapy. However, the specialist surgery required to remove her tumours meant travelling over 130 miles from our home in Wales to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The distance added another layer of exhaustion to an already draining situation.

Long hospital days, endless waiting, and constant worry quickly took their toll. We were physically and emotionally stretched, unsure how we would manage being so far from home for an extended period. That was when we were introduced to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and offered a room at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham.

It became our lifeline.

A Home Away from Hospital Walls

The first time we walked into Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, we felt an immediate sense of calm. Tracy, one of the team members, welcomed us warmly and showed us around. After days filled with clinical environments and relentless anxiety, the House felt safe, peaceful, and human.

At that moment, Tabby was in surgery. We had been awake since the night before, exhausted and emotionally drained. Being able to rest in a real bed—just minutes from the hospital—felt like an unimaginable luxury. That simple comfort gave us the strength to keep going.

The Power of Staying Close

During the first week, we took turns staying at the hospital while the other rested at the House. Knowing we were only moments away from Tabby made a world of difference. We could return to her side at any time, without fear or delay.

The House didn’t just provide physical comfort—it gave us emotional stability. It allowed us to recharge so we could be fully present for our daughter. Being rested meant we could comfort her, support each other, and cope with the intensity of her treatment.

A Place for the Whole Family

One of the most meaningful moments during our stay was when our eldest son, Phineas, came to join us. At just five years old, he had already endured so much—time away from home, worry for his sister, and uncertainty he couldn’t fully understand.

At the House, Phineas finally had space to be a child again. The playroom became his safe haven, a place where he could laugh, play, and relax. Seeing that relief on his face reminded us how vital it was to care for the whole family, not just the patient.

One quiet night, unable to sleep, I wandered through the House with a cup of tea and discovered the small library. I found a few books my wife might enjoy and surprised her the next day. It was a small gesture, but moments like that brought comfort and a sense of normality in an otherwise chaotic time.

More Than Just Accommodation

We stayed at Ronald McDonald House for nearly three weeks. During that time, it became much more than a place to sleep. It allowed us to cook proper meals, do laundry, and spend time together as a family—simple routines that helped restore a sense of control.

Every detail had been considered. From stocked kitchens to cleaning supplies, toiletries, and shared spaces, the House gave us the ability to live—not just survive—during one of the hardest periods of our lives.

Relief from Financial Pressure

The financial burden of travel, food, and accommodation would have been impossible to manage on our own. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK removed that stress entirely. Knowing we had somewhere safe and free to stay allowed us to focus on Tabby’s recovery, not our bank balance.

That relief was invaluable.

Gratitude That Lasts a Lifetime

We will always be grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. The kindness of the staff, the comfort of the House, and the quiet support of other families helped us through our darkest days.

Our journey with Tabby continues, but the support we received will forever be part of our story. As a family, we are now fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK to give back to the organisation that gave us so much.

Because when a child is fighting for their life, no family should have to face it alone.