Christmas through Their eyes – Amy and Jonah’s story
Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, especially for new parents celebrating their baby’s first Christmas. But for Amy, Christmas 2020 turned into a frightening experience when her five-week-old son, Jonah, became seriously unwell just two days before Christmas. What started as a high fever quickly escalated, and Amy rushed Jonah to Epsom Hospital.
“I’d never been to Epsom Hospital before,” Amy remembers. “The care we received from the moment we walked into A&E was fantastic. The staff immediately knew something wasn’t right, and they were with us every step of the way, running tests and checking on Jonah constantly.”
On 23 December, Jonah was admitted to Casey Ward with a dangerous infection, including E Coli and Flu A. “When the doctor came and told us we’d be spending Christmas in the hospital, I was devastated. I had imagined our first Christmas together with Jonah and his sister at home, in matching pyjamas. But I knew he was in the best place to get better.”
The hospital staff did everything they could to bring some Christmas cheer to the ward.
“I woke up on Christmas morning and there were gifts for Jonah. I wasn’t expecting anything at all, but it was such a lovely surprise. Jonah didn’t know what was going on, but it meant the world to me,”
The hospital had even thought of Amy’s four-year-old daughter, leaving a Barbie doll with Jonah’s presents, knowing she’d visit the hospital later that day.
Though Jonah was too young to understand, the gifts were carefully chosen for him — sensory toys and gifts for his buggy — all provided by Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. “It was such a small gesture, but it made a huge difference. I didn’t even know the hospital did that, but it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Jonah was able to go home the day after Christmas, though Amy and her family had to return to the hospital daily for further treatment until the New Year. “The care Jonah received saved his life, and I’m so grateful for that. But the little extras, like the Christmas gifts and decorations, meant more than I can put into words.”
The Christmas gifts, decorations, and festive touches that brought Amy comfort during a scary time are made possible by donations to Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. But we need your help to continue this support.
This Christmas, you can make a difference. By donating to the charity, buying a gift from our virtual shop, or taking part in our fundraising activities, you can help provide these little extras — gifts for children, Christmas meals for staff, and festive decorations — that bring joy to patients spending Christmas in our hospitals.
Help us bring comfort to families like Amy and Jonah’s this Christmas.
Pictured below: Amy, her partner and Jonah in hospital (Left), Jonah on Christmas day (Middle), Jonah aged 3 (Right).
