Parents create booklet to help hospital families
Family handoutThe parents of a girl who spent more than a year in hospital waiting for a heart transplant have created a booklet to help other families.
Evie Green, of Middlesbrough, had dilated cardiomyopathy and received her new heart in July after spending 18 months at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Her parents created a booklet detailing charities big and small across the country who could help families in a similar situation get grants or extra support.
Evie's mum Chloe Green said being in the ward was "very overwhelming" so getting help required "a lot of time and research which you don't have in hospital".
"Obviously having a sick child is emotionally draining but also things become tough financially long term," Ms Green said.
"You spend free time worrying about the future and don't find a lot of head space to think about more worries like how to pay bills."
'Showing love'
The parents said they were "unbelievably lucky" their netball club set up a fundraiser which allowed them to be off work for a year.
After that, the family relied on grants and other charities for support with clothing for Evie and fuel to go visit her.
Ms Green said she particularly wanted to shout out the smaller charities and support groups.
"I feel really strongly about showing them all love," she said.
An electronic version of the booklet can be requested on Evie's Facebook page, which details her journey on the path of a heart diagnosis.
Many charities had requested copies, Ms Green said.
They also hope to distribute it in the children's heart unit ward Evie stayed in.