Help us be there for children like Dayaan
Together we can make hospital feel a little more like home this winter.
Dayaan’s story
While looking through some recent family photos, Dayaan’s mum Shamila noticed something strange. Dayaan’s eye appeared to have a strange white colour in several pictures. Concerned, they took Dayaan for a check-up at the opticians, who quickly referred him to The Royal London Hospital for more tests. That’s when Dayaan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, and their world came “crashing down”. He was just two years old at the time.
Dayaan with his mum and dad at The Royal London Hospital
“When he was diagnosed, our world turned upside down,” Shamila recalls. “It felt like everything had come crashing down on us, like a ton of bricks.” The family had started to adjust their routines to accommodate Dayaan’s older brother’s recent autism diagnosis. Then came the devastating news about Dayaan. “I just went into autopilot,” she says.
Amidst the chaos, Shamila discovered she was pregnant. Looking back, she marvels at how they managed and how, through it all, Dayaan was their rock.
“He was so strong and brave. Although it was his battle, he gave us the strength to fight.”Shamila, Dayaan's mum
The power of play
Over the next few years of chemotherapy, surgeries and check-ups, Dayaan was supported every step of the way by the Play Team and the consultants at The Royal London Hospital. “I honestly could not have done it without them,” Shamila says.
“They have been absolutely amazing. It was really difficult because I couldn’t have my eldest at appointments because of his special needs, and I was breastfeeding my newborn. They really did get us through it. I can’t thank them enough.”
The Play Team have been a crucial part of Dayaan’s treatment journey, and he has formed a special bond with Gemma, a Play Specialist on the Retinoblastoma Ward.
“For children, it’s the fear of the unknown,” Gemma explains. “Their imaginations can just run wild, and it can be really scary for them. We do a lot of medical play with the equipment to make it seem more fun and less intimidating for them.”
All the while we’re there – with the help of generous supporters – behind the scenes to help the Play Team make things a little easier for all the children who pass through our hospitals’ doors.
"Barts Charity's support makes such a difference to children across the Trust. It helps our Play Team go above and beyond for our young patients."Gemma Melisi, a Play Specialist on the Retinoblastoma Ward
This winter your generosity could help to fund:
- Toys, arts and crafts, and sensory toys to entertain and distract
- Refurbishments to indoor and outdoor spaces for play and peace
- Gifts and activities over the festive season.
Dayaan and Play Specialist Gemma
Shamila adds: “There’s been times where Dayaan’s had to have a canula put in and he’s refusing to do it and is on the floor screaming. Gemma will come over and have a word with him, play with him for a bit, and he is so much better after that. She has been an absolute godsend to us. The whole team have gone above and beyond for us.”
Help us be there for our youngest patients
Your support can help our Play Teams to be there for even more children this winter.