Hugo's Story
Last year, Hugo developed a bump under his eye that gradually worsened. He was initially taken to the GP, but by the end of August, he was admitted to hospital. Hugo’s mum, Carole, says, “When he was transferred to the children’s hospital, we realised, ‘Oh, this is serious.’
“He went through a lot in those first days – an MRI, then an under eye biopsy which resulted in a catastrophic bleed, leading to emergency surgery.
“Then, we got the devastating news – Hugo had acute myeloid lymphoma.
I remember thinking, ‘You’re supposed to be so ill, but here you are, playing and having fun.’
Hugo's mum, Carole
“For five months, he spent most of his time in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy, with only a few days at home – but he took it all in stride. Emotionally, it was harder on us. Hugo has eight siblings, six of whom are back home with us in Scone, just outside of Perth, so my husband and I had to take turns staying with him in the hospital.
“Emily, the play specialist, was so great with him. She was always bringing activities to his room to keep him occupied. He’s never been one for arts and crafts, but he really enjoyed watching her create things for him.
“The NHS doctors and nurses were also incredible. They not only cared for Hugo but also supported our whole family. As he started to recover, Hugo was constantly on his bike, racing through the ward with the nurses chasing after him. I remember thinking, ‘You’re supposed to be so ill, but here you are, playing and having fun.’
“One of Hugo’s fondest memories in hospital is from Halloween, when his dad carved a pumpkin from the ECHC pumpkin patch downstairs at the Hub. Hugo even added a tiny feeding tube to it, just like his own.
“But his favourite highlight has to be the day the Hearts football team came. It was the first time in months he’d been allowed outside the ward. He was so excited to meet the team and became an instant Hearts fan himself! This year, all he wanted was a Hearts strip, which he now proudly wears every day. He even got to attend a match over the summer and can’t wait to go back!
“Hugo got discharged not long after that and has been home ever since. It’s strange to say, but he speaks fondly of his time in the hospital. He always talks about all the fun things he did there, and of course all the nurses he met, and makes a point of visiting them every time he has to go for an appointment.
“His siblings also loved spending time at the Hub. Now they’re always asking to go back, and I have to remind them we can’t just go to the hospital for a fun day out!”
