Grandad Paul with Indy on the right in a pink dress at Evelina London Hospital.

Paul's thank you for Indy's incredible care

Grandad Paul is taking on his first-ever marathon for his amazing granddaughter, Indy, to thank Evelina London for the compassionate care she received.

July 2022: Indy began experiencing seizures

Indy had been a happy, healthy 4-year-old before her seizures. Then, suddenly in July, she had her first seizure. These seizures increased in frequency, and within 7 months, she was experiencing one every half hour.

Indy’s mum, Hayley said: “Indy was having up to 50 seizures a day and on a cocktail of medications. Her body was in a constant state of emergency…Indy would tell me a seizure was coming before it happened. She slept in our bed and I was terrified to sleep. It was 24/7.”

Hayley became Indy’s around the clock carer, and the whole family stepped up to support. Paul said: “I was watching both my daughter and granddaughter be the strongest people for each other.”

Indy cuddling a soft cream plush wearing a green jumper asleep in Evelina London Hospital bed.

September 2022: Indy was referred to the neurology team

Under Evelina London’s care, Indy was diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. Following the diagnosis, she was given a lifeline to help her overcome her condition. Dr Shan Tang, consultant paediatric neurologist at Evelina London, referred Indy for emergency surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to remove the sections of the brain that were causing Indy’s frequent seizures.

Hayley said: “It is a very surreal feeling to desperately want your child to have brain surgery. Indy’s only chance to have her life back was to have surgery…She hadn’t been at school for a year, and she spent all her time in bed or hospital. Each time her brain had a prolonged seizure, it is like running a marathon. Daily seizures and such a high burden of medication meant Indy had no quality of life.”

Indy amongst two trees holding a pink cuddly toy wearing a pink printed top and trouser co-ord.

February 2023: Indy is enjoying a fun-filled childhood

The 7-hour surgery in February was a success, and Indy has now been seizure-free for over 2 years. Within 6 months, Indy was able to return to school filled with energy, and now enjoys playing music, roller-skating and crafting.

Hayley said: “Dr Tang is the most amazing woman I have ever met, she changed our whole lives. The hope is that Indy can live a medication and seizure free life after our whole world was turned upside down.”

Reflecting on Indy’s journey, Hayley said: “Indy never cried, she faced so much every day and showed so much resilience and bravery. We are so proud of her and we know she will go on to do something so wonderful with the strength she has gained from this.”

April 2025: Paul will be lacing up his trainers to take on the London Marathon

Paul was inspired to run 26.2 miles for his 7-year-old granddaughter, Indy, to thank Evelina London for their trailblazing care.

Hoping to raise £10,000 for charity, Paul said: “It is a miracle that the teams at Evelina London and Great Ormond Street saved not only our granddaughter’s life, but our family’s life too. She’s had a long journey, but now her little brother has his sister back.”

“Every half hour Indy was dealing with unimaginable things and doing it with such humility. For me to train for 8 months is nothing in comparison. If I can put one foot in front of another for 26.2 miles and raise awareness for the charity, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

The whole family, including Paul’s biggest supporter Indy, will be cheering him on for his first marathon. Hayley said: “I’m so proud of him. He has been such a pillar of strength for us as a family. He is incredible.”

Support Paul's fundraising

“Evelina London understands the daily pressure parents are under, and having spaces such as a parent’s room to take a few minutes to compose yourself away from your child in a private comfortable space is so important.”

Hayley, Indy's mum

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