Kayleigh Takes the Leap for the Children’s Ward That Saved Her Life

Next weekend, local resident Kayleigh will face her fears and abseil down the front of St Helier Hospital to raise funds for Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity – specifically for the hospital’s children’s ward that she says “saved my life multiple times.”

Born at St Helier and a former pupil of a local school, Kayleigh’s connection to the hospital runs deep. Diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, she was first admitted to the hospital at just 11 years old. By the time she was 14, her health had deteriorated significantly, and she was admitted to St Helier’s children’s ward where she spent an extended period of time.

“The symptoms were so severe, I was experiencing crippling nausea. Due to the situation I was put on medication that increases your risk of getting sepsis, which I sadly did get multiple times,” she explains. “Over the time I was in hospital, the ward saved my life many times.”

Kayleigh’s condition has left her with long-term complications, including daily pain, nausea, and the need for IV nutrition and tube feeding. But through it all, the support from the children’s ward never wavered.

“I wouldn’t be alive without the team at St Helier. I appreciate what everybody did for me—supporting me, supporting my family, advocating for me. During that year, I watched how the children’s ward supported families through the worst moments of their lives and supported me through mine.”

Now, she’s determined to give back—even if it means confronting one of her biggest fears. “I’m trying not to think about it as I am scared of heights,” she admits. “But I’ve signed up to abseil down the front of St Helier Hospital and I’m doing it specifically for the children’s ward.”

Funds raised will help provide additional support to the hospitals, going above and beyond what the NHS can deliver alone—such as funding state-of-the-art equipment, refurbishing hospital spaces, and supporting staff wellbeing.

“I know times are hard and money is tight, but if you could donate even a small amount, it’ll make such a difference.”

Kayleigh’s courage and gratitude shine through in everything she does—and as she prepares to descend the hospital that means so much to her, she’s hoping the community will get behind her.

You can support Kayleigh’s by donating to her fundraising page at https://esthcharity.enthuse.com/pf/kayleigh-ann-doran