A Westbury teenager has praised a local charity for bringing her comfort during a long and challenging period of treatment in hospital.
Charlie Cruse, an 18-year-old wheelchair user with complex disabilities, has been under the Salisbury District Hospital’s care since 2024. She lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that affects her joints, digestive system and internal organs.
Throughout her treatment, she has been supported by the Stars Appeal, which helps hundreds of patients across all wards and departments at the hospital and provides support to the NHS staff who care for them.
“In December 2024, I was really struggling with my mental health and the impact my physical health was having on it,” said Charlie. “It was an overwhelming time, I felt hopeless and alone. I told my consultant, who referred me to the youth mentors funded by the Stars Appeal.
“I met Alice, my youth mentor, during a very long and difficult 44-day spell in hospital. She was there for me, peering her head around my bay curtain for a chat, allowing me to vent or talk about what I love most – wheelchair basketball. She would bring me activities to keep me occupied such as colouring, drawing supplies or clay so I could forget where I was for a while.
“Once out of hospital we’d go out together, which helped boost my confidence and independence to be out on my own. Alice has been supporting and encouraging me with my basketball and looking at university courses, things I didn’t even think were possible after becoming disabled.”
Charlie was diagnosed with the rare condition causing severe inflammation of her throat and lungs in June 2024, after being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit after struggling to breathe.
“The Stars Appeal has helped me in so many different ways, from the youth mentors and bedside activities to the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, which meant I could keep up with my coursework and watch films to distract myself from being in hospital. I could also enjoy time chatting with my friends and family or settle down to watch something with my mum,” said Charlie.
“The charity’s sleeper chairs enabled my mum to stay with me in hospital when I was really unwell and advocate for me when I couldn’t, helping me to feel calmer. I could get away from the hustle and bustle of the wards by visiting the Stars Appeal gardens, which gave me beautiful and peaceful areas for quiet reflection that made me feel less like a patient and more human again.”
“I want to thank everyone who donates to the Stars Appeal for making all of these extra things that make such a difference to me and many other patients possible.”
To find out more about the charity, visit www.starsappeal.org
Pictured l-r: Charlie Cruse with youth mentor Alice Lyons
