Cauliflower rice, hand-painted pencil cases, Gruffalo face-paint and step-counters were all taken home after the Evelina London Children’s Hospital GSD Family Day on Saturday 16th February.
Best of all though were new friendships, knowledge and reassurance for those affected by GSD.
Lots of fun on the day
Jane Lewthwaite from AGSD-UK organised food, crafts and fun. She was on hand during the day to talk to families and give out information leaflets and books. The day itself was funded by a grant obtained from St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation.
Nij the face-painter was very clever, creating face designs including a watermelon! Mr Marvel entertained with jokes, tricks and a disco.
A big family event
Specialist metabolic nurse Tanya Gill organised a huge array of stands and stalls for the day, and welcomed twelve families who came along with parents, friends, granny, grandad, brothers and sisters.
AGSD-UK Trustee, Ailsa Arthur, chatted to families about her own experiences as a nurse (who trained at the Evelina) and having a, now grown-up, son with GSD.
A whole team of dietitians
Lead by Jo Gribben, the team created a learning zone; including carb-counting, exercises, healthy food plates and vegetable preparation.
Vitaflo International Ltd gave a talk on their new patient information website expected to be launched in April 2019.
Metabolic consultant Dr Helen Mundy stayed for the whole day, answering questions and freely giving time for all the families.
That World Record?
37cms was the longest unbroken strand of spiralised courgette made on the day. Do you think that’s a World Record? It certainly could be.
Visit the Evelina London Children’s Hospital web site.
Our photos:
Top: AGSD-UK Trustee Ailsa Arthur (left) and Dr Helen Mundy.
Inset: Specialist nurse Tanya Gill, dietitian intern Sara Malmir, and lead dietician Jo Gribben.