Green Leaf Crew

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Green Leaf Crew columnist Kaylee Mynot spent 18 years being treated by Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (GOSH) and she has lots of happy memories from her time under their care. “A lot of the time hospitals have a very negative feel to them and going there can trigger a lot of negative emotions. However, looking back on my years at GOSH I can only remember the good things and how amazing they all were to me, and in my opinion that is so important. GOSH has played a very big part in making me who I am today. They helped me push my boundaries, they helped me achieve things I never thought I could do when living with PH, they helped me gain confidence, and they helped me live my best life even though I had a disability. GOSH is an amazing place and their aim is to make children feel as comfortable as possible. They have so many things you do and see when you visit; for example, the Disney Reef that’s just by the restaurant was my favourite place to go and visit in-between my appointments. When I had my overnight stays at GOSH for an operation, all I remember is the all the good things that I was able to

“GOSH HAS PLAYED A VERY BIG PART IN MAKING ME WHO I AM TODAY” do whilst I was there. I was assigned a play specialist, her name was Vicky, and every day she would let me do fun activities in the playroom. If I wasn’t feeling well, she would come to my room with loads of crafts and stories to sit and do with me. It made me forget all about my worries and nerves! If you’re a child being treated at GOSH, all I can say is that you’re in the best hands, so just concentrate on all the fun! All the doctors and nurses are incredible and are there to help you, so if you are worried or nervous, always tell them. They just want you to be as comfortable as possible and they will answer any questions you have. You have nothing to worry about, and that’s a promise!” Kaylee x

Kaylee with her niece and nephew at the Disney Reef at GOSH AUTUMN 2021 emphasis 31 "They helped me push my boundaries, they helped me achieve things I never thought I could do when living with PH..." Kaylee has grown up with pulmonary hypertension, having been diagnosed as a baby. If there’s a topic you’d like her to cover in her next column, let us know by emailing media@phauk.org

Baking buddies...

Back to school with Emily Gravenstede

Green Leaf Crew columnist Emily is 10 years old, and she has lived with PAH since she was three. As new terms begin across the UK, she tells us how she manages school with her health condition. Emily dressed up for a school play

"School can be fun, but having PH means that there are a few extra things that you need to think about. I go to school in Burghclere (where I live in Hampshire) and I am in year six (which is the oldest year). Things I love about school... • Seeing my friends • Doing netball after school • Going on school trips • Doing group activities • Playing drums in the school band Playing drums in the school band Doing group activities

How PH affects me at school I have to remember to go to the school office to take my pills every lunchtime at one o’clock. Sometimes I have to miss days at school because of doctor appointments I have at Basingstoke, Southampton and at GOSH. I don’t mind missing odd days, but sometimes, the day after I have to do extra work because of the day before. I also take my work with me to hospital if I think it will be possible to do anything in-between the

different appointments and medical tests. On one trip to GOSH I managed to join my class on a Google hangout with some children in Finland using my dad's phone in the car! I have to be careful about not pushing myself too far, especially in PE. For example, in netball if I am playing one of the positions that includes a lot of running around, or marking someone who is really fast, I can’t outrun myself, or I get extremely puffed out. My netball coaches are great though, and they help me out, so they let me take breaks when I need to and one of them will take my position for me for a short bit. The other children at my school know me really well and they know that I cannot keep running as much as they can, and usually they are all fine about me taking breaks or adapting activities. When my class does a daily mile, everyone else runs, but I either walk or do a light jog and slow down when I need to. I think that everyone in school knows about my PH." Got a topic you want Emily to cover in her next column? Email media@phauk.org

GREEN LEAF CREW

Hammadh is 10 years old and lives in Gravesend, Kent with his parents and sister Hanaa, 14. His mother Fathima was diagnosed with PH in March this year. Here, Hammadh shares some of his favourite things with the Green Leaf Crew. Q. What is your favourite subject at school? A. I like maths Q. What is the last book that you read? A. The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog by Jeremy Strong Q. What is your favourite game to play? A. I like to play basketball Q. Who is your best friend? A. My mum and dad Q. What is the best thing about having a sister? A. We play with my toys Q. What is your favourite snack? A. Crisps and grapes Q. What do you love most about your mum? A. She’s always funny and cooks the best food Q. What is your favourite film? A. Spies In Disguise Let us know if you want to take part in our Q&A by asking an adult to email media@phauk.org Q&A Hammadh Haffy Hammadh Hammadh and his family Apple 'doughnuts' These doughnut-style apple rings are super easy to make, far healthier than the deep-fried alternatives, and there’s no cooking required. Ingredients... 150g soft cheese 2tsp honey 3 apples (use a crunchy eating variety) 3-4 tbsp almond or peanut butter (optional) Lots of coloured sprinkles, to decorate Method... STEP 1. Mix the soft cheese with the honey and set aside. Peel the apples, then slice each through the core into five or six rings, about 1cm thick. Use an apple corer or small round biscuit cutter to stamp out a circle from the middle of each slice, removing the core and creating ‘doughnut’ shapes. Pat the slices dry using kitchen paper – they should be as dry as possible to help the toppings stick. STEP 2. Spread some nut butter over the slices, if using, then top with the sweetened soft cheese. Decorate with the sprinkles and serve. Get busy in the kitchen!