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In 2015, when she was 14 years old, Ebony had to have a brain tumour removed and spent a few weeks being cared for on our Ward 5. Eight years later, Ebony (sorry, Elsa!) returned to Sheffield Children’s to bring some magic and help create special memories for children and families.
Amongst lots of singing and storytelling we had a quick chat with Ebony about her life now and why it was so important for her to come back and visit us.
“As soon as I set up my children’s entertainment business I thought to myself, ‘I have to go back to Sheffield Children’s as Elsa’. When you’re the patient going through a life changing experience you remember so many things about it because it’s huge – it’s your life – and I wanted to be able to give something back and help bring some joy to children who are going through what I went through.
“I remember when I first had surgery. All I could think about on the way there was: ‘I really want some chicken nuggets when I get back’. And when I saw Lucy the ward manager just now, she said she remembered my love of chicken nuggets!
“Performing as a princess is lots of fun but I do also love superheroes. I can remember waking up in the recovery unit after surgery and I got to pick a photo to go on my certificate – I chose batman because I had a batman bedroom at the time.
“People might think this is strange, but I actually asked for my surgery to be videoed and afterwards we all huddled round a computer screen on the ward and watched inside my brain! My surgeon, Mr Sinha, was so lovely and he even stayed in touch to wish me a happy prom night when I was better.”
Lucy Dickinson, Ward Manager, said: “I do remember Ebony and her love of chicken nuggets! Even through all of the costume today I recognised Ebony. It’s so lovely of her to come back and do this for the children we’re taking care of at the moment.”
On their visit, Ebony (and Anna and Spiderman!) also presented a cheque for £1,320.25 which they raised at their one year anniversary party in April. This is going to be an annual party to celebrate and help raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity.
Lucy Cain, Community Fundraising Manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s so special to see previous patients giving back to the hospital, whether it’s through fundraising or coming back as Elsa!
“Visits like this can really make a patient’s day. Fundraising helps Sheffield Children’s to fund life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research. We’re so grateful, thank you, Ebony!”
Thank you for coming to visit us, Ebony. And good luck with your new business and your performing.
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