Sophie's Legacy Podcast

What does truly exceptional care look like when a child is in hospital? And who looks after the parents standing beside them?In this episode of the Sophie’s Legacy Podcast, Charlotte is joined by Nathan, Chief Nurse at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and one of Sophie’s Legacy’s ambassadors. With nearly 26 years of experience in children’s nursing, Nathan shares his passion for making hospital care better for children and their families.Nathan talks about the challenges facing children’s hospitals today, how children’s healthcare has evolved, and why communication, compassion and the ability to make children smile are just as important as clinical skills. He also shares how hearing Charlotte tell Sophie’s story had a profound impact on him, changing the way he thought about the needs of parents in hospital. From ensuring families have access to food and drink to recognising the vital role of play, Nathan explains how Alder Hey became the first hospital to achieve all of Sophie’s Wishes and what that achievement means to him and his team.Together, Charlotte and Nathan discuss why parents are not visitors on a children’s ward, why their needs must be recognised and supported, and why hospitals should ask “How can we make this happen?” rather than simply saying something cannot be done.This is a powerful conversation about leadership, listening to families, and turning a little girl’s wishes into meaningful change for children and parents across the country.💛 Because when a child is in hospital, their whole family needs care.🎧 Listen now and discover how Sophie’s Legacy is helping to change children’s healthcare, one wish at a time.

When your child is seriously ill, life as you know it changes overnight.In this episode of the Sophie’s Legacy Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie and Liam, parents to little Leo, whose journey began with a diagnosis of a complex heart condition during pregnancy.Together, they share the reality of navigating five heart surgeries in Leo’s first year, long stays in hospital, time in intensive care, and the emotional toll of balancing hospital life with work and family at home.They talk honestly about how they coped differently, the incredible support of their family and friends, and how their experience has changed their outlook on life.They also share what Sophie’s Legacy meant to them during some of their hardest moments; from practical help with fuel costs to the simple but powerful comfort of knowing someone cared enough to stop, chat and check in.Their message to other families facing a similar journey is one of hope: you are not alone, there is support out there, and it’s okay to let people help you.💛 Listen now to hear Sophie and Liam’s story.

This episode of the Sophie's Legacy Podcast is a very special one, as we welcome our brilliant child ambassador, Jacob, into the studio!Jacob has spent a huge amount of his childhood in hospital, so who better to tell us what it's really like for children who spend so much time on the wards?From hospital food and the importance of having more choice, to play, accessible facilities and making sure parents are looked after too, Jacob shares his experiences, his ideas and the things he believes need to change.He also tells us about his love of Spider-Man, his incredible imagination, his passion for Lego and gaming, and the adventures he hopes to enjoy when he's out of hospital - including Disney and Legoland!But most importantly, Jacob reminds us of something we should never forget: children deserve to be listened to. They know what matters to them, and their voices should help shape their experiences of hospital care.We're incredibly proud to have Jacob as our child ambassador, and we hope you'll enjoy hearing from him as much as we enjoyed having him with us.A huge thank you to Voice FM for welcoming us into their wheelchair-accessible studio and helping us make this special episode happen.🎧 Listen, share and help us spread Jacob's message.💛 Find out more about Sophie's Legacy or support our work: https://sophieslegacy.org.uk

What does a hospital play specialist actually do? And why are they so important to children in hospital?In this episode of the Sophie’s Legacy Podcast, Charlotte is joined by Chloe, a Healthcare Play Specialist from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to shine a light on a role that is so much more than simply playing with children.Chloe talks about her journey from being a teenage patient herself to becoming a play specialist, the training involved and what a typical day can look like - from preparing children for blood tests, surgery and MRI scans to supporting children through long-term treatment.They also explore how play can reduce anxiety, prevent trauma, help children cope with procedures and even avoid the need for sedation or repeat appointments.Chloe shares the emotional side of the role too: becoming a trusted person for children and families, supporting children through incredibly difficult journeys and dealing with the loss of patients you have grown to know and love.Charlotte also shares memories of the difference Sophie’s play team made during her treatment and why Sophie believed so strongly that play specialists should be an essential part of every children’s ward.Because play in hospital isn’t a luxury. For children, it is part of their care.🎧 Listen to hear why hospital play deserves to be recognised, protected and properly funded.

Why is childhood cancer so difficult to diagnose - and what should parents actually be looking out for?In this episode of the Sophie’s Legacy Podcast, Charlotte is joined by Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel, a paediatric doctor whose work has focused on improving the diagnosis of childhood cancer.Dr Sharna began working with Professor David Walker on the HeadSmart campaign, helping to improve diagnosis times for children with brain tumours, before going on to research diagnosis across other childhood cancers. Most recently, she served as Vice Chair of the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce.Together, Charlotte and Dr Sharna talk about why childhood cancers are so different from adult cancers, why their symptoms can be so difficult to recognise and the key things parents should look out for - including persistent, changing or progressing symptoms and that incredibly important parental gut instinct.They also discuss Charlotte’s own experience of knowing something wasn’t right with Sophie, the importance of parents feeling able to speak up, research and funding, and the work that has taken place to finally give children and young people a dedicated voice within the National Cancer Plan.This is an incredibly informative conversation for parents, healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to better understand childhood cancer - and what needs to change.Please follow and share the Sophie’s Legacy Podcast to help us raise awareness and reach more families 💛