Play Specialist says Hero Award “made my Christmas”

Congratulations to Becky Rodgers, who has received a Solving Kids’ Cancer Hero Award after being nominated by one of the families she cares for.

Becky is a Play Specialist on our Haematology/Oncology ward (Ward 6) and supports children and young people through their treatment with activities, therapeutic play, and a good ear.

“Becky listened to our daughter Poppy. She listened to us. She took on board what Poppy needed and sometimes she knew it before any of us knew it ourselves,” – wrote Eleanor in her award nomination for Becky.

“She recognised that Poppy had identified her as someone who could make things manageable and so she made sure that she was there for as many of Poppy’s hurdles as she could be; stem cell retrievals, cannulas, surgeries, hair loss, nasogastric tube fittings, a visit to the adult hospital to be fitted for radiotherapy. Becky was there for them all.

“I hope every child with a cancer diagnosis has a Becky in their corner.”

Poppy was nine when she was diagnosed with HR Neuroblastoma. Since then she has received care on the newly refurbished Ward 6, which was completed last year thanks to The Children’s Hospital Charity and their supporters.

The new ward is bigger and brighter, with improved spaces for parents to stay with their children and a dedicated playroom at the heart of the ward for everyone to enjoy. The patient bedrooms will have a view of Weston Park opposite the hospital and include brand new televisions, more storage space and lots of things to help make it feel more like home.

The Solving Kids’ Cancer Hero Awards recognise all the different people who have been there for families in the neuroblastoma community and are striving to make a difference. It’s an opportunity for all the families supported by Solving Kids’ Cancer to choose one person or group that have gone above and beyond.

Eleanor’s nomination certainly showed that Becky is doing just that.

Becky said: “How amazing was this. It was such a beautiful message from a wonderful family. Thank you so much, you’ve made my Christmas.”