Jude Khambata, a three-year-old from Swinton in Salford, spent ten days with headaches and vomiting before a CT scan revealed a malignant brain tumour. He was immediately transferred to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH) for specialist treatment.
Jude underwent surgery to remove the tumour, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell harvest, and a transplant. His treatment meant he spent the next eight months in and out of hospital. Having completed his final round of chemotherapy in August, Jude and his family are now awaiting his final end-of-treatment scan.
Support from the Therapeutic Play Team
Throughout his treatment, Jude and his family were supported by the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Team, who they say helped bring moments of fun and normality during an incredibly difficult time. The family wanted to find a way to give back to the hospital.
Jude’s mum, Jess, said: “I cannot convey the gratitude we have for everybody at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Everyone we met, from neurosurgery to the Play Team, was amazing and looked after us and Jude so well.”
Preparing for the Pyjama Walk
The little boy is now preparing to take part in a sponsored Pyjama Walk with his family this September, raising vital funds for the service. The family-friendly event takes place at Heaton Park on Saturday, September 26, and will see Jude and his two older sisters don matching leopard-print pyjamas to take part in a 5km walk. The Khambata family have already raised over £1,500 in sponsorship.
Jess added: “We’ve been in survival mode for so long, but we really wanted to find a way to say ‘thank you’ to the hospital for all their hard work and care. When we saw the Pyjama Walk, we thought it was perfect because we were able to take part as a family.”
Fundraising for the hospital charity
Antonia Scappaticci-Merrick, Events Manager for the Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) Charity, which raises funds for the RMCH, said: “We’re so pleased Jude and his family are taking part in this year’s Pyjama Walk and are incredibly grateful for their support.”
“Jude’s experience shows just how important play can be for children and their families during long hospital stays. By taking part in the Pyjama Walk and raising funds for the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Service, Jude and his family are helping us provide that same support to many more children and families.”
