Pick Me Up! 13-Dec-2018

I’d been with Steven, 27, for just under two years when we fell pregnant in March this year. Thrilled, we couldn’t wait to tell his mum, Stephanie, 57. A joker, she was always teasing us about wanting her the news I did the same to her... ‘I think there might be another mouth to feed this Christmas,’ I teased. I heard happy sobs from the other end of the phone. I had Maddie, 8, from a previous relationship, who Stephanie adored. But this would be her first grandchild by blood. Then at eight weeks we thought we’d lost our little one when I had a terrifying bleed. I was petrified, but Stephanie travelled all the way from London to Yorkshire to be with me and Steven. She reassured us and…

Even though Noah was born at 27 weeks, he proved he was a fighter and we even got to bring him home for Christmas – my perfect present. Tracy Nicholson, Grimsby Archie, 1, was so excited for Christmas to come, he couldn’t take his eyes off the tree. I did tell him Santa would know he was awake... Alison Carter, King’s Lynn Can you guess who the Grinch of our family is? My brother John is such a ‘bah humbug’, he wouldn’t dress up. Katrina Neale, Eastleigh My girl Mollie, 9, waiting patiently for Santa to open his doors. She wanted to deliver her Christmas wish list personally. Nicola Battensby, via e-mail Each year my babies take it in turns to put the star on the tree. Some things will…

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The jaunty strains of Jingle Bells floated down the hospital corridor. A choir was visiting a nearby ward, trying to bring a bit of festive joy to the poorly children there. Occasionally I’d hear the bang of a cracker, or the laughter of a child. Happy sounds to match the twinkling tinsel and glittering baubles that festooned the corridors and wards. Christmas was nearly upon us. Only, the jubilation seemed misplaced here on the children’s cancer ward of the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Nurses in Santa hats moved between the beds, trying to raise the spirits of the families cooped up in this hellish scenario. ‘Thank you,’ I said, trying my best to muster a smile as a nurse handed me a sausage roll. But the pastry clogged in my mouth.…

Over the next few hours, we tried to laugh and smile, even if it was just silly giggles over a cracker joke. We could see it had helped Max - and us - so much. The next few months were tough, but by May 2012, Max was in remission and finally well enough to come home. Joe and Mollie were so happy to be back together with their little brother. We chatted over the phone to Steve and the boys as much as we could. And before long, Christmas was approaching yet again. ‘I want us to help Steve and his boys on the ward,’ I told Trevor, remembering the joy he’d brought us all. But Max was still too weak, fighting off an infection. Next year... I vowed. And…

Steve says, ‘When we were in hospital with Cory, a Santa came to visit us, and we couldn’t let that tradition disappear. I’m so proud of Cory and how far he’s come. It’s uplifting for all of us going into the hospital to visit the children and their families. There’s months of preparation involved, but one single smile from one single kid makes it all worth it, and you take that smile home with you.’ • To donate to Cory’s Christmas toy appeal, visit @NEUnited1 on Facebook or tweet Cory @1CoryDavison.…