Melissa, Rupert's mum, has kindly shared their experience at Lister Hospital

My 7-year-old son, Rupert, was very poorly over the Christmas period. He was being treated at Lister Hospital where he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

I’ve been meaning to email and say how incredible the play team were and we were absolutely blown away with the amazing gifts we, as a family, received. It was such a scary time for us all, but Rupert was able to enjoy making new lego sets and doing lots of arts and crafts.

Rupert was also given a brand new scooter, but had been feeling weak and wasn’t able to walk far. When he finally went to leave the hospital he was able to scoot out and was absolutely overjoyed. Rupert now uses his scooter regularly - it’s brilliant therapy for him as it’s so important he maintains good mobility.

There were gifts and vouchers for both myself and dad, and of course, Rupert’s 5-year-old sister.

We truly appreciated all the kindness shown and it really helped with the overall acceptance of Rupert’s long term diagnosis.

We are back at the Lister today, Rupert is having an unplanned blood transfusion and again he has been given some lovely gifts. He now has his own yellow box at the ward with his name on, and some special activities/lego sets will be waiting for on his next visit. I know he will mention this box to me when we are at home, and he will look forward to coming back on the ward so he can play with his hospital gifts.

I’d like to give a special mention to Christina who was with us a lot over Christmas. As previously mentioned, all the gifts were incredible BUT Christina also gave us her time and so much emotional support. We will never forget her kindness - I don’t know what we would have done without her.

Thanks to the whole play team, and all the companies who donated.