Bubble Foundation Relaunch Party

Harriet launching the website with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Mam and board member Sophie being interviewed Ward 3 staff looking at new materials that they helped create

We were overjoyed to welcome so many new and familiar faces to our relaunch event at St James’ Park. Previous patients, families, staff, volunteers, retired colleagues, and local supporters all came together to celebrate this special milestone. While not everyone could be with us, they were very much in our thoughts as each and every person that has passed through our doors has shaped our charity over thirty years.

One of the most moving moments came from 10-year-old Bubble patient Harriet, who spoke alongside her mam and Trustee, Helen Mylott. Together they shared what it is like to live in isolation in a Bubble. Harriet also told us about her beloved ponies, Lily and Shadow. Shadow was once a very nervous pony, but with Harriet’s care and encouragement he grew in confidence. In fact, he went on to win Horse of the Year! Harriet said she hoped the doctors and the Bubble Foundation were proud of her, and proud of themselves. She could not have put it better. We are incredibly proud of her, and of the amazing team who make stories like hers possible, and extremely grateful for our supporters that make it happen.

Harriett was a healthy and happy baby, but within weeks, constant infections and severe eczema revealed she had SCID, a rare and life-threatening immune disorder. After being rushed to Ward 3 in Newcastle, more than three hours from home, she underwent a bone marrow transplant that left her gravely ill with liver, gut and skin failure. With her odds being 0 or 100 doctors attempted a pioneering second transplant using her dad as a donor. You can read more about Harriets story below.

We were also honoured to hear from Professor Andrew Cant, who explained just how far everybody's generous support goes. In the past five years, the Bubble Foundation has invested over £400,000 into pioneering research. That investment has then helped to secure more than £2.5 million from other funding bodies to push the projects even further. Professor Cant also shared how we have been able to fund a new laser machine to treat Mucositis, a painful side effect of chemotherapy that can prolong a Childs stay in hospital. This treatment not only relieves children’s suffering but logistically may also help free up hospital rooms for other young patients who are in desperate need of a new immune system.

Big thank you to Phil Punton who took the photos on the day.

Website and Logo Launch

We were excited to have a very special guest, The Lord Mayor of Newcastle!

"Newcastle is proud to be the home for this world leading medical expertise and the Bubble Foundations incredible work. It is a new chapter with a new website and important step to get the Bubble Foundation even more noticed today. I'm certainly proud to be here at this event"

The Lord Mayor and patient Harriet then launched the website together which included our new logo which was donated to us by our Trustee Dan

New communications and materials

In January 2024 we asked former families to share their Bubble journeys and experiences, and we also spoke with staff on Ward 3 about their perspectives. Each story was unique and invaluable. We are so grateful to everyone who took the time to participate. What you shared has been carefully read and has helped us create new resources for future families, making their journeys a little clearer and more supported from the very beginning.

The Bubble Foundation now provides:

• Assessment booklets

• Admission booklets

• Journey / memory boxes

• Milestone activities for patients

• Fun actives and certificates for isolated patients.

• Beanies for patients losing their hair from Chemotherapy

• Bubble Buddies - a private group for families to share advice

• Useful map of Newcastle for parents

• Useful map of Newcastle for patients after transplant

• Postcards to send back home with useful links for families.

• Groceries for families

• And many more materials

Things you can do to help

Spreading the word

It is so important to spread the word of a small charity. We had a lot of people asking for extra Bubble posters so they could place them around their hometown, in local Businesses and gyms etc... if you would also like the opportunity to do this please sign up for our Hometown Hero campaign and we will send you your very own hero pack!

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  Become a Hometown Hero

  Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and full of hope. At Bubble Foundation we support children with rare immune conditions and their families, but too...

  Read more: Become a Hometown Hero