Nicci Garlick, age 36, is a teacher at Belmont Primary School, but also recognised for the charity work she undertook last month for Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Lewisham Hospital as a result of their service to her family. Nicci, mother of Isobel, aged 8, and Max, aged 4, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon on the 9th October to raise money for these hospitals that accommodated her children after having experienced some medical implications.
Isobel was treated at Lewisham Hospital where she was a day patient and had her perforated eardrums repaired in a scheduled operation, whereas Max was admitted via A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital with breathing difficulties due to a lower respiratory tract infection; he was hospitalised there for 4 days. As a result of the marathon, Nicci received a wooden medal as well as raising an incredible £360.
In an interview with Nicci, she reveals her motivation for her charitable work and comments on the work of the hospital as well as the staff that made her children’s experiences one to remember:
How would you describe the treatment yourself and your children received whilst at the hospitals?
“Amazing. Absolutely incredible. The staff couldn’t do enough to ensure that they were comfortable and entertained”.
What motivated you to do the charitable work for them?
“I was running the marathon for the second time and I wasn’t going to raise money for the charity but I was so overwhelmed with how great the hospitals had been, I wanted to say thank you”.
What part of the hospitals did you aim your charitable work towards and how did you spend the money you raised?
“The children’s ENT Department at Lewisham asked for me to donate the money. They purchased a new pool table and football table with the money. Safari Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital asked for completely plastic toys and DVDs for all ages. I took the children shopping to purchase these toys and it was really exciting for the kids”.
How do Max and Isobel feel about the work you did for the hospitals?
“Really pleased to turn something so negative into something so positive. Max’s time especially was awful for us as a family as it was so hard to see him on oxygen and struggling to breathe. The staff brought toys and activities to his bedside as soon as he was well enough and made sure that he didn’t get bored”.
How did the hospital team react to your gift to them?
“Everyone was overwhelmed. The children’s ward were shocked that the toys are new and were thrilled with what we had done for them. It gave us such a warm feeling inside to pay it forward and make sure that any children leave the ward with fond memories and the happiest experience that you can in these situations”.
Overall, how would you describe your experience at the hospitals and the subsequent charity you did for them?
“We left the hospitals with fond memories of the staff, playrooms and little games and activities that we played at Max’s bedside. Belle enjoyed the activities on the ward too”.
The treatment Nicci and her children received from both hospitals are a reminder of the excellent service we, in South-East London, receive from the local health care service. Nicci’s work remains an inspiration to those around her and continues to make patients smile with her generous gifts to the entertainment life of Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Lucy O'Brien - Erith School
