No-one likes being ill. It may get you a few days off school, but it’s never fun. For the few days you’re sick, you’ll get looked after by your parents, and your friends will call to see how you are. But imagine what it’s like to be ill all the time. Imagine missing out on all the normal things, like going to school and hanging out with friends. Imagine what it’s like to be so weak that you have to spend all your time tucked up in bed.
That’s exactly what life was like for Vikki George who was diagnosed with a serious illness that left her bed-bound for 5 years. Vikki first became unwell when she was just 11 years old, and it was a few years before doctors finally diagnosed with her with a serious condition called ME. At just 16 Vikki was so sensitive to light that she had to stay in a blacked-out room, and eating just wasn’t an option. Swallowing became so painful and she would have to suck on ice-cubes to make sure she was getting enough water. Eventually things got so bad that Vikki couldn’t even stand or sit up in bed, and her parents had to feed her baby food. For a 16 year old girl, that’s not what life should be like.
A few years later and Vikki is still struggling with her illness, taking small steps at a time that will hopefully lead her back on the road to recovery. Having spent 5 years in bed unable to walk, Vikki can now stand and sit up, and is no longer stuck in bed every day. She has gained enough energy, and is now well enough to venture out in her wheelchair, which is something that a few years ago, she never would have dreamt of.
Whilst Vikki was ill, she said it was the well wishes from friends and family that got her through those hard times. It would be easy to be miserable and feel sorry for yourself in that situation, but spending every day in bed, Vikki had lots of spare time which she put to good use. Post Pals is a website that Vikki set up, allowing members of the public to send letters and cards to other sick children. Most of the children featured on the website have a serious or terminal illness, so receiving letters of support and encouragement helps to make their lives a little happier.
The website works by listing all the children’s names, with their illnesses and then goes on to include a little bit about their hobbies, likes and dislikes and the sort of post they would like receive. Lots of people send hand written letters and cards, emails and even gifts, all of which the children and their parents are very happy to obtain. Vikki has even included the sick children’s brothers and sisters into this, as it must be a difficult time for them as well, so it’s nice to know that no-one is getting left out. The website is extremely popular having had over 3 million hits since 2003, and continues to accept new members or ‘Pals’ as they are known on the site. Vikki has won lots of awards for her charitable organization and it’s her passion for helping others that has seen her recognised as being such an inspirational young person.
I am hoping to feature an interview with Vikki in the near future, but she is currently unwell so I wish her all the best and hope she’s back on her feet very soon. She has brought a lot of happiness into the lives of others and deserves some of her own. Her selflessness and courage are qualities that anyone would be lucky to posses, and just knowing that someone like this is out there is a breath of fresh air.
Put A Smile On A Kids Face
Visit www.postpals.co.uk to find out more about the amazing work Vikki does. Whilst you are there, pick a pal and get writing! You can send emails, cards, whatever you like, just help Vikki in putting smiles on sick children’s faces.
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