A QEH matron became the hospital resident fairy godmother earlier this summer by granting a 16-year-old patient’s wish to go to a ball.
Sarah Peterson was in hospital for almost two months receiving treatment for a chronic condition on Oxborough Ward when she mentioned to nurses how upset she was at the thought of missing her school prom at Iceni Academy later that day.
She’d been looking forward to the right of passage event for months and thanks to paediatric matron Sally Butlin, she was able attend in a stunning gown and celebrate with her schoolfriends.
Sally and her team ensured that with a few conditions, it was safe for their patient to leave for a short while. They pulled out all the stops at the 11th hour and, much like the fairy-tale Cinderella, Sarah was dressed like a princess for the ball.
Sally said: “I called my husband and asked him to bring our daughter’s prom dress to the hospital for Sarah to use. Once the dress arrived we styled Sarah’s hair and her mum arrived with makeup and shoes just in time.”
Sally added: ” When the plan came together Sarah left the ward to a round of applause from the staff and with the biggest smile on her face.”
Sarah’s mum Noleen said: “Attending the prom was important to Sarah, especially after being to hospital for so long. We are so grateful to everyone at QEH for making this happen.”
Sarah, from Methwold near Downham Market, said: “The prom was an amazing event, and I am so grateful to all the wonderful staff at the hospital who made it happen! Thank you!”.
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