This week felt like a real full-circle moment for Archie and me—one of those rare, powerful reminders of how far we’ve come and why we continue doing what we do.
We were invited for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the brand-new children’s wards at the newly built Bournemouth Hospital. The Children’s Hospital isn’t officially opening until June, but we were granted special early access so we could offer our support and see the space that will soon be transforming the lives of so many young patients and their families.
Walking along those enormous brand spangly new corridors ( ready for murals to be painted) with Archie by my side was incredibly emotional. It took me straight back to his own journey—a journey that began with a “minor” surgery but quickly turned into something much bigger. Although the operation itself was straightforward, the medical complications and neurological challenges that go alongside our daily lives, made it a major event for the both of us.
Through all of it, we were met with nothing but empathy, care, and genuine respect from the incredible medical teams who supported us. That experience is exactly why we’ve spent the months since fundraising, raising awareness, and giving back to the UHD Charity in every way we can.
A Thank-You From Us to Them: “Awesome Archie Has Surgery”
As our way of saying thank you—and as a way to help other children facing scary or unfamiliar medical experiences—Archie and I wrote a children’s book titled Awesome Archie Has Surgery which we officially donated it to the hospital for them to use as a resource to support young patients and spread awareness in an accessible, child-friendly way. Seeing the staff’s reactions, and knowing it will help children feel braver and more prepared, was incredibly special.
Art, Awareness, and the BEACH Appeal
Back in the summer we hosted an Arts Week exhibition to raise funds specifically for the BEACH Appeal—UHD’s campaign dedicated to developing the new children’s unit. Rooms full of colour, creativity, and community came together for a single purpose: to give future families the kind of support Archie and I were lucky enough to receive.
And as if the week wasn’t meaningful enough already, Archie and I were also interviewed and filmed to support the hospital’s upcoming promotional work. Watching him talk confidently, proudly, and openly about his journey was one of those proud-parent moments I’ll never forget. He doesn’t see himself as awesome—but he really is.
Here’s How You Can Help—And Why It Matters.
The new children’s hospital will soon open its doors, but a building is only the beginning. Creating a nurturing, comforting, fully resourced environment takes community. It takes people like you. The NHS provide the bulding and the medical equipment but kids like Archie need so much more.
Here’s what your support can do:
- Fund play equipment that transforms treatment experiences and supports the mental health of young patients
- Create sensory-friendly spaces for children with additional needs like Archie
- Support families during the hardest days of their lives by providing a comfy and homely parent/carer lounge with soft sofas and home comforts.
- Help the hospital To share resources like our book, reaching children who need reassurance.
Every donation, every share, every bit of awareness you spread helps shape the future of pediatric care here in Bournemouth. You can genuinely support the most vulnerable children in their hardest moments, what a gift!
We’ve seen firsthand what this hospital can do. We’ve lived it. And now, we’re honoured to play even a tiny part in supporting its future.
Thank you for being here, for rooting for Archie, and for helping us make sure other families receive the same care, kindness, and hope we did.
Please go to the BEACH appeal UHD website here below to offer your help….you can really change a families life this Christmas!