PRESS PACK 2021-22

Hannah has long braided hair and a beaming smile. She is wearing a Cambridge Children's t-shirt. She is with her mum who is wearing a bright pink dress

Hannah with her mum

Hannah

Hannah, 15, from Peterborough has been very involved in the children's hospital project. She joined Cambridge Children's Network, along with her younger brother Jerry and sister Elizabeth, and has participated in many of our workshops. As a Press Packer, Hannah has developed in confidence, sharing her talent for voiceover work and calm presence on camera. Hannah has grabbed every opportunity that has been thrown her way.

Alisha is smiling for the camera, wearing dark glasses that are flower shaped

Alisha at Cambridgeshire County Day

Alisha

Alisha, 16, from Cambridge took part in 'The People's Test' back in 2020, interviewing different architect teams to see who would win the job! Since then, Alisha has been involved in all aspects of the project, but has really shone as a Press Pack member. Born at just 24 weeks, Alisha has spent years in and out of hospital. She was keen to share her experiences of hospital care, as a means of giving back to the people she credits with saving her life.

Macie has long brown hair and is wearing a new york yankees baseball cap. Her brother Olive is smiling next to her. They are both holding hot chocolates in a cafe

Macie with her brother Oliver

Macie

Macie lives just north of Peterborough, joining Cambridge Children's Network as the sister of Oliver, who has a rare cancer. Macie, 14, has brought energy and enthusiasm to the Press Pack, jumping at the chance to make videos, write stories and do interviews. Her story about what it's been like caring for Oliver, being in and out of hospital, is brilliantly written and insightful. Their story clearly shows the need for integrated care, where a child's mental and physical health are treated together.

Olina and her brother and sister, mum and dad, are doing a selfie in the back of the car. All are smiling and her dad is wearing a santa hat

Olina, second right, with her family

Olina

When Olina, 17, first joined the Press Pack, she said she didn't really have experience to share of being in hospital. However, she later revealed that she and her siblings all have 'hidden disabilities' which have brought enormous challenges. Olina, who is doing media studies at college, wanted to use her Press Pack experience to raise awareness of invisible illnesses and how hospitals might better support children and young people whose conditions aren't immediately apparent.

Sarah is smiling for the camera in the sunshine. She is wearing a flowery red top. She has bobbed brown hair and a blunt fringe. She is holding her symbol cane

Sarah at Cambridgeshire County Day

Sarah

When Sarah joined the Press Pack, she was coming through some tough times. She'd lost her sight earlier that year and this had knocked her confidence. However, Sarah, 17, is always up for a challenge. On Cambridgeshire County Day, with the support of our project team, she 'worked' the crowds, telling the public all about Cambridge Children's Hospital. After meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah wrote an article about the nerve-jangling excitement of chatting to the most famous couple in the world! Safe to say, Sarah has grown in confidence over the last year!

A snapshot of our Press Pack's achievements!

Hannah's article looks back on an amazing year with the Press Pack. We hope this initiative will go from strength to strength, bringing more opportunities for young people in the East of England.

Olina and her siblings all have hidden disabilities. Olina writes about how this has affected her mental health and why a greater understanding and awareness of these invisible conditions is needed

Alisha wrote a powerful story about her premature birth and the impact on her and her family

All the Press Pack took part in Cambridgeshire County Day, helping raise awareness of the children's hospital project - and meeting some special visitors!

Alisha, who has some learning disabilities and health conditions, explains what would make life easier for her at the new hospital

Alisha interviewed Sarah about what it was like to lose her sight and how Cambridge Children's Hospital can support those with visual impairments

Cambridgeshire County Day was very exciting for everyone at the Cambridge Children's Hospital project, not least our Press Pack. Sarah's memoire really captures the spirit of this momentous event.

Macie has been a tower of strength for her younger brother Oliver, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer as a toddler. Her story highlights the need for integrated care - a 'whole child' and 'whole family' approach

Sarah wrote about a lifetime of hospital care and the challenges young people face when moving from paediatric to adult care

Hannah interviewed Dr Sri Velandy about the vision for integrated care, where mental health and physical health are treated together

Oliver has collected 'beads of courage' for many years, with each bead representing something that has happened during his treatment.

Macie interviewed Dr Patrick Tarpey about a new cancer trial for children