Seven-year-old takes on sponsored Pyjama Walk to give back to the hospital that cared for him

Seven-year-old Matty Williams, from Preston, who was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after suddenly developing a rare blood disorder, is gearing up to take part in a sponsored Pyjama Walk this September to help raise vital funds for the hospital that cared for him.

Matty’s Story

When he was just two years old Matty became seriously unwell after a single pinprick-sized purple spot on his neck rapidly spread into multiple dark bruises across his body. He was blue-lighted to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital that evening, where he was admitted for further tests and was later diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare blood disorder affecting the body’s ability to clot.

Matty spent nine days in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital undergoing blood tests and four platelet transfusions. During his stay, Matty was supported by the hospital’s Therapeutic Play Team, who helped him cope with the unfamiliar and often frightening environment of hospital.

Since leaving hospital, Matty continues to have regular check ups at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Now aged seven, Matty is at school, loves football and has a passion for both Liverpool FC, AFC Fylde and Preston North End. He also plays as goalkeeper for his under 8s team Springfield Blacks. His experience in hospital, however, is still something he remembers and this September he will take part in the 5km sponsored Pyjama Walk at Heaton Park with his family, raising money to support Therapeutic Play for other children receiving care at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Michelle Williams, Matty’s mum said: “The Play Team and ward staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital were truly phenomenal throughout Matty’s stay and couldn’t have done any more to make sure we felt comfortable, we can’t thank them enough.

“The Play Team had gadgets, games and entertainment for children of every age. It completely transformed our stay and gave Matty a welcome distraction from his blood tests and the treatment.

“Without the Play Team, our hospital experience would have looked completely different, the staff enabled Matty to feel more like a child and not just another patient.”

Matty’s Pyjama Walk

This year will be Matty and his family’s first Pyjama Walk, after spending a long time looking for an event that would allow them to give something back to the hospital that cared for him.

Michelle added: “Matty is really looking forward to the Pyjama Walk, although he is slightly nervous! He can’t wait to take his sponsorship form into school for his classmates and teachers and he’s really looking forward to wearing his themed pyjamas, especially wearing his PJs and onesie!”

The money raised by this year’s Pyjama Walk will help ensure children like Matty can continue to access Therapeutic Play during their hospital journey.

Antonia Scappaticci-Merrick, Events Manager for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, which raises funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said: “Being in hospital can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for anyone but especially young children. Being able to play, have fun and forget about treatment for a while can help make a difficult experience feel less frightening.

“We’re so pleased Matty and his family are taking part in this year’s Pyjama Walk and hope others will do the same to help us raise vital funds to provide Play Therapy for many more families.”

The 5km charity walk will take place at Heaton Park on Saturday 26 September with participants encouraged to swap their usual walking gear for pyjamas, onesies and dressing gowns. The family-friendly event will feature a lively warm-up, entertainment, a scavenger hunt and activities for children, with money raised helping to support Therapeutic Play at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and its satellite services.