PF.A Mother’s Gratitude: Aspen’s Journey to Recovery with the Children’s Air Ambulance

It was a moment of pure relief and comfort, as Anneka settled into the helicopter seat, looking over at her daughter Aspen, still stable on the ventilator. “The pilots were incredible,” Anneka recalls. “They reassured me that it was a beautiful day to fly, and that Aspen and I were in the best of hands. I had no idea how quickly everything would unfold, and I never imagined how vital this moment would become in Aspen’s journey.”

It was a frantic situation. Aspen, a toddler from Ramsgate, had been battling chronic lung disease since her premature birth at 25 weeks in July 2017. Her condition, which had already brought about many challenges, had taken a turn for the worse. At just three years old, Aspen was gasping for air, and the breathing difficulties were more severe than ever. Her parents, Anneka and Paul, knew that they needed to act quickly to ensure their daughter’s survival.

For years, Anneka and Paul had been managing Aspen’s condition. Her chronic lung disease, combined with a swallowing difficulty that caused her to aspirate liquids and food, had led to frequent respiratory infections and pneumonia. But this time, it was different. Aspen’s struggle to breathe became far more intense, and it was clear to Anneka that she needed specialized care.

“It was just before the country went into lockdown in March 2020,” Anneka explains. “Aspen had developed a cough, and we tried treating her at home, but as days passed, we could see that she was growing weaker. Her little face looked so tired, and I could see she wasn’t herself anymore. We knew we had to take her to the hospital.”

At Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Aspen was immediately placed in isolation, and doctors quickly ruled out Covid-19. Despite all attempts to help Aspen breathe easier, her condition worsened. She was put on oxygen, but that wasn’t enough to sustain her. With her respiratory function deteriorating rapidly, doctors made the decision to anesthetize her and put her on a ventilator. The hospital, unable to provide the necessary pediatric intensive care, made the critical call to transfer Aspen to a hospital that could offer the specialized care she desperately needed.

It was then that the Children’s Air Ambulance stepped in, offering the fast, lifesaving transportation Aspen required.

Anneka remembers the overwhelming relief she felt when she was told the plan. “I was terrified of how Aspen would be kept stable during the transfer,” Anneka admits. “The thought of a long drive to London with Aspen on a ventilator was daunting. But when they said we’d be flying by helicopter, and I could accompany her, I felt a little more at ease—though, I must admit, I was nervous because I don’t like flying.”

But as soon as the helicopter’s rotors began to spin, Anneka’s anxieties faded. The flight from Margate to London, which normally would take over two hours by car, took just 31 minutes. The swift transport helped ease some of Anneka’s fears, and the highly-trained team aboard the helicopter made sure that Aspen remained stabilized throughout the journey.

“The pilots were amazing,” says Anneka. “They made sure to reassure me, telling me that it was a beautiful day to fly and that we were in the best hands. The STRS team—South Thames Retrieval Service—was so supportive. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything happened, and how calm they made me feel. The speed at which they moved really made a huge difference for us.”

Upon arrival at Battersea Heliport in London, Aspen was quickly transferred by ambulance to Evelina Children’s Hospital, where a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) awaited her. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, which had forced changes in hospital operations, Anneka was allowed to stay by Aspen’s side, while Paul stayed connected via phone and video calls.

“When we arrived at Evelina, it felt like a weight was lifted,” Anneka recalls. “I knew Aspen was in good hands, and I was so thankful we had gotten her there so quickly. It was hard being away from Paul, but we made it work with calls and video chats.”

Aspen was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, a condition caused by inhaling food or liquids into the lungs, which had caused the severe infection. For five days, she remained on the ventilator as doctors closely monitored her condition. She was then transferred to a different ward where tests and further monitoring took place for several more days.

The days in the hospital were tough for Anneka, but they had an end in sight. On the twelfth day, Aspen was discharged, and Anneka was finally able to reunite with Paul and their six-year-old daughter, Adison. Despite the lockdown restrictions, which made travel difficult, they made the two-hour journey to London to bring Aspen back home.

The family’s journey home was bittersweet. Aspen had fought so hard to stay alive, and they were thankful for the care she received, but the road ahead was still uncertain. Aspen’s strength and resilience shone through, and her recovery began to unfold in ways her parents hadn’t imagined.

Since returning home, Aspen’s recovery has been remarkable. “She’s gone from strength to strength,” says Anneka, her voice filled with pride. “She loves being around other children, especially her sister. She’s thriving. We’re excited for her to start nursery soon, and I’m so grateful for everything we’ve been through together as a family.”

Looking back, Anneka has nothing but gratitude for the Children’s Air Ambulance service. “We were in great hands. The speed at which we got to the hospital and the support we received made all the difference. I’m so thankful that such an amazing service exists to help families like ours.”

The Children’s Air Ambulance not only provided swift transportation but gave Anneka and Paul the chance to stay by their daughter’s side during a critical moment. For Aspen, it was a journey that ultimately led to recovery, and for Anneka, it was a journey that underscored the strength of her family, the support they received, and the medical professionals who made a life-saving difference.

As Anneka reflects on Aspen’s journey, she is filled with hope. “It’s amazing to see Aspen healthy and happy. We’re a strong family, and we’ve made it through something so tough. I will never forget the kindness and expertise of the Children’s Air Ambulance team. They made the impossible feel possible, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”

If you have a story to share, the Children’s Air Ambulance would love to hear from you. Visit their website to learn more about their life-saving services and how they’re making a difference in families’ lives.