For six-year-old Lizzy and her family there was nowhere to go but everywhere
The open road was calling to Julia Cook, Specialist Pain Nurse at our Children's Hospital, who is currently driving through Europe and beyond with her family, after being given a 12-month sabbatical.
Lizzy, Julia's six-year-old daughter, has Down's syndrome and receives treatment from both our Cardiology service and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Julia spoke to us about her family's journey and their year-long adventure.
Julia said: "I've been a qualified children's nurse since 2001, and I absolutely love my job. I have always loved working with young people and have been working at the Children's Hospital since 2007. In 2014, I joined the acute pain service, and I'm proud to be part of such a compassionate, dedicated team.
"On 5 September 2016, I gave birth to our second child, our beautiful daughter Lizzy."
Julia had planned to have a water birth, but after midwives noticed that Lizzy's heart rate had dropped, she was rushed to another room, where Julia had an emergency breeched delivery.
Julia said: "When Lizzy was born, she was floppy and looked blue, but after a little support, she perked up and was transferred to the neonatal ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital."
Shortly after, Lizzy was diagnosed with Down's syndrome.
Julia explained: "It was a shock; it was just something we didn't anticipate. Initially, we were a bit upset as we weren't sure what it meant for our family. We had no previous experience of family or friends having children with Down’s syndrome, so there were lots of unknowns for us."
Lizzy was also born with a patent ductus arteriosus, a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart.
She receives care from both Worcestershire Royal Hospital and our specialist cardiology department, where she undergoes an echocardiogram scan every 18 months to monitor her condition.
Julia said: "Lizzy is a happy, determined and gregarious girl who is full of energy. We don’t see her as any different to any other child, except that it takes her a bit longer to learn things so we all help her as much as we can. Her older brother, William, is a fantastic role model, which is great as Lizzy copies everything he does."
Last year, the Cook family decided it was time for Lizzy and big brother William to have their biggest adventure yet. It was time to park their lives at home and hit the road, travelling across Europe and beyond. So far, they have been travelling for nine months, across three continents and 14 countries.
Julia said: "Throughout our trip, we've been road-schooling the kids and supporting Lizzy with her speech and language. However, they're getting a much wider education through the amazing people we've met, the experiences we've had and the beautiful places we've been."
The family have made many unforgettable memories together, from camel trekking in the Sahara, skiing in Bosnia and 83 days travelling Morocco.
Julia explained: "There are many moments in this trip that I'll never forget, but one that stands out for me is when our beloved motorhome ‘Gilbert’, broke down while driving through the Albanian mountains from Vlorë.
"We were all worried initially, but fortunately, we stopped next to an incredibly helpful Albanian family who let us park on their driveway and invited us into their farm. They showed Lizzy and William their animals and let them feed the goats.
"It's one example of the huge amount of kindness so many people have shown us and Lizzy throughout our trip."
The family will return home from their trip later in the year, and Julia will return to her role in the Children's Hospital.
Julia said: "I just want to say a huge thank you to the acute pain team for supporting me to take this sabbatical; having this quality time together as a family has been precious."
When asked if she had any advice for families who may find themselves in a similar situation to when Lizzy was born, Julia said: “It may not be what you expected, but your baby is unique and amazing, just like any other child. Having Down’s syndrome does not define them. There are many challenges that come with being a parent, and this is just one of them’.
If you'd like to learn more about the family's road trip, follow them on Instagram @family_road_trip_Europe.
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