Hannah’s illness doesn’t even have a name
Fighter
 She was so ill they didn’t think she’d survive the ambulance ride to hospital.
But the little fighter defied medical opinion, just as she has done all her life, and pulled through.
Rebecca said, “When Hannah was born she weighed a healthy 9lbs and there were no immediate signs anything was wrong. But she started turning blue and her breathing didn’t sound right.
“She didn’t gain much weight and it was obvious at about three months that something was seriously wrong.
“At first the doctors thought it might be severe cerebral palsy, but that was ruled out and Hannah just became more and more ill.
“When she was 18 months she developed cataracts and now has artificial lenses in her eyes.
“Doctors at Yorkhill Sick Children’s Hospital have performed hundreds of tests but, to this day, no-one knows exactly what is wrong.
“They’ve never treated anyone like Hannah and all they can say is that she has an undiagnosed progressive disorder.
“It’s heartbreaking seeing her in pain. She’s peaceful at the moment and has a really happy nature, but there have been times when she has been in so much distress.
“She’s so weak her body can’t cope well with infections.
“Thankfully she survived the pneumonia but you never know when something else will happen.
“Because no-one can diagnose what’s wrong they can’t give us any idea of her life expectancy. Obviously we want her to be around for ever but we don’t want her to suffer.
Something different
“About two and a half years ago my doctor mentioned Rachel House to me. At that time Hannah was in a lot of pain and we were looking for help.
“The staff at Yorkhill have been terrific but we needed something different.
“It’s a calming place and not in the least bit sad. Hannah’s big brothers, Jordan and Matthew, are very protective of her and they get upset when they see her in a lot of discomfort.
“But they love going to Rachel House and playing with the other kids.
“It’s so relaxing and the staff have been a great support to us.
“They phone all the time to ask how Hannah is and nothing is too much trouble for them.”
Hannah’s aunt, Jean Renwick, is area manager for a group of pubs in Lanarkshire.
Next Sunday she is hosting a sponsored five-mile walk in Balquhidder and hopes to raise over £5000 for our CHAS appeal.
Excellent
Jean said, “Sixty staff and customers are taking part. We raised £5000 last year and hope to get even more this time.
“The response from everyone has been excellent. Even some people who can’t take part in the walk have donated money.
“Because of Hannah I know how much great work goes on at Rachel House and the sooner Scotland gets a second hospice the better.” |
You can e-mail us at:
hospice@sundaypost.com
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Aunt Jean holds little Hannah in her arms. 
