We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of Bryony Palmer, Senior Sister within the Children’s Complex Care Team in Central Manchester. Bryony and her team provide essential home care for children with complex needs, offering vital support to families facing medical challenges every day. Recently, Bryony applied for Destination Florida, a remarkable opportunity to volunteer and provide unforgettable experiences for deserving children. Bryony nominated LillyRose, a child under the Complex Care Team, for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Bryony exemplifies the compassionate spirit that drives our staff to go above and beyond for their patients. We commend Bryony for her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children in our community.

I am Bryony Palmer, and I am Senior Sister within the Children’s Complex Care Team in Central Manchester. Our team provides home care for children with complex needs, including tracheostomies and home ventilation. I had applied for Destination Florida as this was something I had always wanted to do as a medical volunteer. Once I had been accepted and they informed us of the children who had previously been nominated, I began to think of the children I knew within the community who would benefit from such an incredible trip.

Destination Florida provides a once in a lifetime trip to children who deal with medical issues every day and for this reason, I nominated LillyRose, who is a child under the Complex Care Team, as she is a prime candidate. Due to LillyRose having a tracheostomy, she has carers within her home every night to monitor her and provide her medical needs. She has had copious amounts of hospital admissions since she was born with multiple surgeries and so this trip really was something special, where medical staff including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists were attending to ensure she could enjoy a carefree holiday!

Once LillyRose was told by Destination Florida that she was going to Florida, she immediately wanted to go shopping to get herself some new summer clothes and a swimsuit! LillyRose was able to meet the other children within the yellow team at the pre-party where she also got to meet some Disney characters and meet her roommate for the trip.

Going on the trip allowed LillyRose to gain confidence in herself, independence and the ability to achieve things she never knew was possible; like going on all the big rollercoasters! LillyRose made some great friendships within the yellow team and went from wanting to always be by my side, to going off independently with all her new friends. To see the courage and bravery shown daily by LillyRose is something I will never forget.

I found it exceptionally inspirational and humbling to witness all these children with life-limiting illnesses’ not be defined by their medical history. I am extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to go on such an inspiring trip and see the constant smiles on their faces. Everyone can learn so much just by being around these extraordinary children. There is a quote, “when we’re brave enough to listen, and bold enough to pursue, that dream will lead us on a journey to discover who we’re meant to be”, and these children did exactly that.

To this day, LillyRose talks about the time she went on an aeroplane to go on all the rollercoasters, and she loves to show off all the items she bought from all the shopping! Destination Florida really does help make dreams come true.