For families like Simon’s, having the right support at the right time can make an immeasurable difference.

In 2019, Simon and his wife were advised to stay close to Derriford Hospital while their daughter Olivia, suddenly and critically ill, lay in a coma. With their family home in Falmouth, the need to remain nearby brought added uncertainty at an already overwhelming time. Hearts Together provided a safe, welcoming place to stay close to the hospital, allowing Simon and his wife to focus on Olivia’s care without the added stress of travel or being far from home.

“I went from being able to walk myself into A&E on the Thursday, to being in intensive care on the Saturday, and my family urgently needing somewhere to stay. The last thing you want to be thinking about is where am I going to sleep tonight? How much is it going to cost? So to know that was all taken care of – that just meant a lot for our family.” 

Olivia was placed into a medically induced coma and transferred to London for further specialist care. Olivia made a full recovery and today, she is a qualified paediatric nurse - everyday she is inspired by the care she received and the experience her family went through together.

Simon and Olivia’s journey didn’t end with recovery. Motivated by gratitude for the care and support their family received, Simon went on to become an anonymous living organ donor. As a family, they have also raised funds for health charities as a way of giving back and supporting others facing serious illness.

“You never know when you’re going to be in that position — we never in a million years thought that would be us. ”

Their story reflects the heart of Wear It Red Week — a community coming together to ensure that no family has to face medical treatment or emergency care alone. While Hearts Together may play a small part in a family’s wider story, that practical support — a place to stay, a moment of respite, being close to hospital — can make an enormous difference at the most difficult of times.