Moray youngster Lucy Stewart from Elgin helping kids stuck in hospital this Christmas
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A Moray youngster has been chosen to front a national charity appeal due to her experience of spending many Christmas Days in hospital.
Lucy Stewart from Elgin is heading Starlight's appeal to raise £400,000 to provide play therapy to seriously ill children.
The 12-year-old was born with a rare medical condition that means food cannot pass from her throat to her stomach and she has difficulties swallowing.
As a result she has spent a large percentage of her childhood being supported by the health play professionals at Aberdeen Hospital.
Explaining why she thinks play therapy is so important for youngsters, Lucy said: "When you are in hospital for a long time, IT'S BORING!
"That’s why having toys and games is good. It distracts me from what’s happening.
"The doctors and nurses sometimes come to take my blood and it hurts. So I like to play card games, even though Mum says I cheat because I always win!
"Some children in hospital don’t have people who can visit them because they are really poorly, this makes me really sad.
"They can play Fortnite or Minecraft on the tablets, but I think they would like to see their friends. It’s not the same, but the play specialists and nurses are their friends in hospital and they are all super fun!
"Last year I was in hospital right up until Christmas Eve but then I got home. PHEW!
"Christmas at our house is the best. I really hope I’m home for Christmas and not poorly in hospital, that’s my only wish this year."
Every December Lucy's home at Bishopmill is always one of the most brightly decorated houses in Elgin.
Although the youngster has been unwell for the last couple of weeks with a cough, she's on a course of antibiotics and appears to be on the mend.
Her mum Clare said: "Lucy is keeping everything crossed she avoids time in hospital as she loves Christmas in our house and also being able to do things with her friends.
"I am so proud of her and how she always aims to help others.
"It has been a privilege to help Starlight and Lucy has loved being able to help raise awareness for the charity.
"We have spent many a December in hospital, missing out on family time and Christmas celebrations so we understand how hard it can be.
"Last year Lucy missed out on going to the panto, but the play workers in the hospital were amazing and the pantomime came to the hospital so we could still watch it.
"They also gave out presents and had decorations on the ward. It wasn’t perfect being in hospital that time, but it was so nice to have these little things."
Starlight believes that, without play, seriously ill children can be traumatised by their experiences in hospital – and the psychological damage can be life-long.
Play can help prepare a child for frightening treatments, distract them from painful procedures and prevent loneliness during lengthy hospital stays.
Bring play to every seriously ill child who needs it this Christmas by donating at www.starlight.org.uk/christmas
