By the age of one, Iris-Mae was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition that causes non-cancerous tumours to develop on and under the skin, affecting blood pressure, eyesight, and the brain and nervous system.
What followed were years of treatment at Sheffield Children’s. Iris-Mae spent many days and nights in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries as specialist teams worked tirelessly to try to save her left leg. She had a lesion that prevented her tibia from forming properly, and doctors tried several solutions, including metal rods and plates. They even attempted to fuse her fibula and tibia.
Mum, Sarah, said: “There were so many operations, and our amazing specialists had well and truly tried to save her leg. We had the conversation together, and Iris-Mae completely understood her condition, so we were prepared.”
In 2022, after exhausting every option, the difficult decision was made to amputate Iris-Mae’s leg. It’s something no child should have to face, but thanks to the care she received, Iris-Mae continues to meet each day with resilience, humour and strength.
Today, she remains under the care of Sheffield Children’s, where she continues to receive ongoing treatment, monitoring and support – care that will be part of her life for years to come.
Iris-Mae said: “I’m not scared to visit the hospital anymore. I have lots of friends there, and there’s always something exciting happening.”
Every year, 260,000 children like Iris-Mae rely on Sheffield Children’s. With your support, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity goes above and beyond what the NHS can provide, funding the things that transform care and experience for patients and their families.
That means investing in cutting-edge research to improve treatments and outcomes for children with complex conditions like NF1. It means creating comfortable, engaging environments that help reduce fear and support recovery during long hospital stays. It means building new facilities where world-class care can happen, and providing specialist medical equipment that gives children the very best chance.
For Iris-Mae, this support has shaped not just her treatment, but her entire experience of hospital life. From play therapy to unforgettable moments that bring joy during difficult times, your support helps children be children, no matter what they’re going through.
Iris-Mae said: “I’ve met lots of celebrities like Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United football players, and the Sheffield Steelers team too.”
Iris-Mae has spent many Christmases in hospital, but thanks to supporters, those moments are still filled with magic.
She said: “At Christmas, Santa visits my friends at school, and I sometimes miss out on seeing him there, but he always visits the hospital too, so I don’t have to miss out.”
Sarah said: “We know that we’ll always need treatment and support at Sheffield Children’s, but I can’t fault the efforts the teams go to, and the kindness of the public. Seeing all the children’s faces light up is just amazing. It means so much.”
Children like Iris-Mae need Sheffield Children’s – today, tomorrow and for years to come. With your support, we can continue to fund life-saving research, build better facilities, provide specialist equipment and create environments where children feel safe, supported and cared for.
Find out how you can support us by visiting our fundraising pages or get in touch at fundraising@sheffieldchildrens.org.Â
