STAN’S STORY

When I put my hand on Stan’s leg and felt a lump, I just knew.

We were in a taxi on holiday in Italy. Our first since the pandemic, and I just knew something was wrong. Stan and I flew home the next day.

A biopsy confirmed Stan had a rare type of tumour in his bone. Within weeks, we’d started chemotherapy at Bristol Children’s Hospital. It was devastating then, and still is now.

Music and play therapy have been a huge part of Stan’s time in hospital. Claire, the Grand Appeal music therapist, is fantastic and full of energy.

She’s really good at engaging with Stan. He still takes time to come out of his shell, but she always breaks through.

Stan sometimes struggles with feeling angry. I can talk to Claire about how to manage his emotions. I don’t always know if I’m doing the right thing, and Claire is so reassuring or gives us mechanisms to help Stan.

Cancer treatment can be isolating, and there are still some covid restrictions on Starlight Ward, so it’s important for Stan to speak to someone who isn’t a doctor or nurse and have a bit of fun.

Sian, the Grand Appeal play assistant, is great too. Stan loves that she is always bringing him toys and games and she constantly comes up with different play activities.

I’m always thinking, ‘I need to play; I need to do this...’ Constantly feeling guilty.

Having someone to guide and play with Stan is a real help.

She can act as an advocate for Stan, too. One time she stepped in and managed to talk Stan round. And it’s very hard for anyone to persuade Stan! I told my husband, ‘let Sian do it’. It was a bit weird for us to let go as parents, but brilliant because Sian knew how to handle the situation.

Claire and Sian have even teamed up in the past – they played with Stan as a band in the playroom. They all joined in and made some music together about emotions.

We’re still taking each day as it comes. Stan has major surgery coming up and we are waiting to see what happens next.

One thing I am certain of is that Bristol Children’s Hospital is made up of amazing, wonderful staff. I feel lucky Stan is here.