Mansfield family launch fundraiser to support children on hospital ward after daughter’s sudden illness
A Mansfield family is giving back to the hospital that cared for their seriously ill toddler by launching a heartfelt community fundraiser to support young patients and their families.
After spending five days on Ward 25 at King's Mill Hospital in Sutton, the family has launched a campaign to provide brand-new pyjamas and underwear for children aged 0–16 who are unexpectedly admitted.
Their daughter, Brianna, just 14-months-old at the time, was rushed to the hospital over Mother’s Day 2025 after becoming critically unwell with a rare autoimmune condition, Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).
What followed was every parent’s nightmare.
During her stay, she endured intensive treatment including antibiotics, a platelet transfusion, and immunoglobulin therapy.
At her most critical point, her platelet count dropped to zero, leading to severe symptoms including active bleeding, widespread bruising, and a rash caused by failing capillaries.
“It was terrifying,” the family said. “She had bleeding from her nose, mouth, and even internally. Seeing her go through that at such a young age was something no parent is ever prepared for.”
Amid the stress and uncertainty, it was a small but powerful act of kindness that stayed with them.
“One night, after another cannula procedure, her only pair of pyjamas was soaked through. A nurse brought us a clean pair from the ward’s emergency supply.
It made such a difference, she settled, and for the first time that day, we felt a little less helpless.”
That moment inspired the family to act.
They have now launched a fundraising campaign to supply Kings Mill with essential comfort items for children in similar situations.
Due to infection control policies, all items must be brand new and unused.
Alongside collecting physical donations across the Mansfield area, the family is also raising funds online, with an initial goal of £750.
They have already raised £810 through an earlier campaign.
The family continued: “We just want to give something back.
“If we can help even one family feel a bit more comfortable during such a difficult time, it will mean everything to us.”
Their daughter has since made a full recovery, with her blood counts returning to normal after three months.
Donations can be made via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/childrenspjamasforkmhward25?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
The family hopes the local community will come together to support the initiative and help bring comfort to children facing unexpected hospital stays