Ryan's dream

Wow what an amazing time we had. Thank you so much for everything, we had the best time. Honestly can’t put into words what this last week has meant to us and more so Ryan but I'll try...

Ryan got to enjoy everything all the activities he wanted and made the most of Create a Dream’s generosity. As Ryan had explained to the trustee's, he has a deep love for teddys and having the chance to build his own was a particular highlight. We all enjoyed the owl experience and loved the opportunity to play tennis and pool. Not to mention having the chance to have fun on the pedalos. Ryan loved the swimming. The fact the wheelchair could even go poolside was brilliant for a rest. He was able to try all different foods too which is massive for Ryan. He did lots of walking too as he saw that no one was looking at him.

Just a little history, Ryan did have an awful road once he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016, he suffered a cardiac arrest not long after been diagnosed but thankfully after 6 minutes of CPR the amazing team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital brought him back, he also developed sepsis which led to an ileostomy for over a year. Then after 3 years of daily chemo Ryan needed 2 years of monthly blood draining down to an iron overload as during his treatment,he had over 200 blood transfusions.

So just last year they finished and he had his port (central line) removed. But after many investigations some still ongoing it’s been discovered that Ryan has now an issue with growth and bone density so shortly after this dream trip, he starts daily injections which he'll have to give himself and also possibly looking at monthly GP lead hormone injections so Ryan still has a long road ahead.

What Create a dream has done for us is priceless. The trustee's have been a lifeline from day one that I made contact. They checked in to see how we all were and with COVID-19 and this trip been delayed he kept assuring me that we would get there. But without CADF I wouldn’t have been able to spoil Ryan and my other son Aidan like I did this last week.

Not having to worry about money was a weight off. Being able to say yes have that gift or yes have a dessert or ice cream. Or yes let's book whatever activities you like and also having some money for petrol really took the sting out too.

To the people fundraising for Create a Dream, thank you from us all. You have made a little boy and family very happy. To have time away as a family just to laugh and reconnect away for a PlayStation and Xbox was priceless. Thank you. Maria (Ryan's Mum).