How we helped the Mackay family to stay connected
When five‑year‑old Emilia Mackay was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia in May 2023, her parents, James and Steph, were suddenly thrust into a world of hospital visits and uncertainty.
The diagnosis meant Emilia needed regular blood tests and transfusions, leaving the family facing both emotional and financial strain. It was a frightening and disorienting time, but support came quickly.
Following Emilia’s diagnosis, the family were referred to the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust by staff at Worcester Royal Hospital. It marked the beginning of their journey with the charity, which would go on to provide practical, emotional and educational support for the whole family.
One of the first lifelines was a £500 grant to help cover essential expenses such as hospital parking and food, easing some of the immediate pressures.
For James, this support was invaluable. He said: “Anyone in a similar situation should reach out and get in contact, because the Trust can definitely help them.”
Keeping life as normal as possible
Childhood illness often disrupts every aspect of family life, but our team worked hard to help Emilia stay connected to the things she loved. With months away from school, we supported her in keeping up with lessons and hobbies, from dance classes to learning the drums.
Her older sister Ellie, then ten, was also supported by our Family Support Team. The charity’s Family Support Worker spent time with both girls, organising activities such as making Easter bonnets and playing games, while also being there for mum and dad when they needed someone to talk to.
One of the most transformative pieces of support came in the form of an AV1 robot, a small, portable device designed to help children with long‑term illnesses stay connected to school.
Because Emilia had to isolate for three months, the robot allowed her to join her classmates remotely, interact in lessons and maintain friendships.
The AV1 acted as Emilia’s eyes and ears in the classroom. It sat on a desk, streamed lessons in real time and allowed her to interact remotely via a secure app. It meant Emilia could listen in, speak when she wanted to and even turn the robot’s head to follow the action, all from the safety of home while she was isolating.
For Emilia, it meant she could maintain her friendships, join in with class activities and feel part of the school community despite being physically absent. It also helped ease her transition back into school life once she was well enough to return.
James recalls how important this was. He said: “The Grace Kelly team are genuine, empathetic and have a lot of fun despite the seriousness of the illness. The AV1 robot gave Emilia the chance to feel part of her class again, even when she couldn’t be there in person.”
From Support to advocacy
The Mackay family’s relationship with the Trust has grown beyond receiving support. James has become an active advocate, taking part in our fundraising events, helping with our marketing and even hosting a podcast where he speaks to other families we’ve helped about their experiences.
He’s passionate about raising awareness of the charity’s wider mission: “The Trust does a lot of vital research into childhood cancer and is always working to provide funding and support for further research, which is essential for trying to find out why it happens and preventing it from happening again.
“Funding is the key, and I’m delighted to support them.”
Looking ahead
For the MacKay’s, the journey continues, but our support has made a lasting difference. From grant funding to emotional care, innovative technology to fundraising and research, the charity has been by their side every step of the way.
James said: “The support we’ve had has been incredible. The Trust has done so much for Emilia and our family, so I’ll keep doing whatever I can to help it continue its vital work.”
“It’s been a privilege to support Emilia, Ellie and their parents through such a challenging time. James’s commitment to giving back and raising awareness shows the strength and resilience of the families we work with.
“His podcast and fundraising efforts are helping us reach more people and ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.”
Sarah Terry, Family Support Manager at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust
