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Roald Dahl鈥檚 Marvellous Children鈥檚 Charity provides specialist Roald Dahl Nurses and support for children with some of the most serious and complex health conditions across the UK.

鈥淭he children we support often have multiple health conditions, which require lifelong specialist care. Thanks to our generous supporters, Roald Dahl Nurses currently help over 32,000 children lead more marvellous lives.

We understand how immensely difficult being diagnosed with a serious illness is for a child and their whole family.聽It can be uncertain, overwhelming, scary and feel deeply unfair. It can be isolating and take over your whole life.聽Navigating this challenging and complex world can be daunting, particularly when an initial diagnosis is made. That is where our Roald Dahl Nurses come in 鈥� ensuring that heroic children and their families no longer brave their illnesses alone.

The dedication and expertise of our Roald Dahl Nurses reduces A&E visits, hospital admissions, and consultant appointments. Roald Dahl Nurses are also a vital lifeline to the whole family, coordinating care and providing the highest level of emotional support.聽Unfortunately, too many children with serious illnesses do not have access to聽this vital specialist聽care. The stress placed on them, and their families can be significant and relentless. We believe that every child with a serious illness and their family deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse. That is why we are more determined than ever to meet the rising demand for Roald Dahl Nurses.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud to be supporting this appeal for Roald Dahl鈥檚 Marvellous Children鈥檚 Charity. For over a decade, I鈥檝e been a patron for this wonderful charity and seen first-hand how it transforms the lives of people facing unimaginable circumstances. The charity truly understands how immensely difficult being diagnosed with a serious and complex illness is for a child and their whole family. The work these specialist nurses do every day is crucial, but the reality is that we desperately need more of them. If you can, please support the charity today, as every child with a serious and complex illness deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse.鈥�

When Anna was pregnant with Emmeline, she was told on her 27-week scan that her baby would have a rare condition called Goltz Syndrome.聽As the syndrome is so rare (only around 500 known cases in the world) Anna found it difficult to find out more information. During her research, she found a local team of Roald Dahl Rare Disease Nurses and reached out to them via email. The next morning Anna received a phone call from Tina inviting her for a coffee and chat.聽Goltz Syndrome involves many different parts of the body and has many different symptoms. Emmeline could have been born blind and deaf and have other serious conditions, including those affecting her heart and kidneys.

Tina gives the family a huge amount of emotional and practical support. Tina also helps co-ordinate appointments and liases with the many professional and healthcare teams involved in Emmeline鈥檚 care.

Anna says, 鈥楾ina puts everything into perspective, reassures me and gives me confidence. Tina has reduced my anxiety and has a huge impact on myself, Emmeline, and the whole family.鈥�

Max has GRIN2D-related disorder and epilepsy. GRIN2D-related disorders can cause a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, with the symptoms a child experiences and the severity of the disorder varying widely.聽Max is unable to walk, talk and is dependent on a tube for feeding. He is also registered blind and suffers regular seizures.

Max and foster mum Suzannah are supported by Lisa, their Roald Dahl Nurse. Suzannah says, 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to put into words what Lisa does, and what Lisa is, to us. She is the foundation that holds so many things together for us.聽She has taken us from a place where we were very isolated and struggling to get on top of his health, to a place where we know we are going to be okay.鈥�

Vikki and Rich鈥檚 daughter Maya was a healthy little girl until late 2021 when she started feeling unwell.聽After tests, Maya was initially diagnosed with sinusitis. However, Maya鈥檚 condition continued to deteriorate, and Maya was rushed for brain surgery to save her life.

On the night of the surgery, the family met their Roald Dahl Nurse, Jayne. Throughout Maya鈥檚 recovery Jayne was on hand to support and reassure the family.聽Maya was finally discharged from hospital in December with Jayne becoming the main link with the Neurosurgical team.

Maya鈥檚 mum Vikki says, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I could ever put into words how grateful we are for our Roald Dahl Nurse. Having Jayne鈥檚 advice available has helped to build our confidence and it鈥檚 so reassuring. We will remain forever grateful for the kindness, support and guidance that Jayne has provided us.鈥�