Holiday of lifetime for Wirral teenager with life-threatening illness

Jan 23 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News

A WIRRAL teenager with a life-threatening illness enjoyed the holiday of a lifetime to Florida.

Kate Harrington, 18, has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a group of two genetic disorders affecting the skin, brain, nervous system, kidneys, and heart.

It means Kate also has autism and learning difficulties, as well as suffering up to six epileptic seizures a day.

The Wirral News highlighted the campaign to raise £2,000 in August, and thanks to generous donations Kate and her family were able to go to Orlando as part of Caudwell Children’s Destination Dreams trip for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Kate, from Moreton, flew out with sister Emily and mum Teresa, staying in their own villa at Give Kids The World, designed for youngsters with a high medical dependency.

Teresa said: “We had an absolutely fantastic time and were treated like VIPs. Every little detail had been thought about from the airport and all the way through the holiday.

“Caudwell organised a party for everyone the night before and Kate received gifts, with more presents throughout her stay.

“We were given a camcorder to use for the week which was then downloaded and put on to a DVD at the end. We had a photo pass to meet all the Disney characters and another pass to access rides quickly, all for free.

“Kate had the use of a wheelchair a couple of times. She fed the dolphins and stingray which was loads of fun.

“Everything you could think of was in place. It was organised all the way through, from the airport all the way home – it was just fantastic.

“Kate was very excited throughout – we all were.

“She soaked it all up and was hugging all the characters, and hasn’t stopped talking about the trip since we have been back. She has all the mementoes on display in her bedroom and looks at the photographs all the time. She loved the attention she received.

“The holiday to Florida has given Kate the trip of a lifetime and memories which we wouldn’t have been able to do on our own.

“This is the first time we have been on an aeroplane as Kate was scared and I was worried about her seizures. It would have been too stressful. She had a few seizures on the plane but we had enough space to cope.

“It has given me the confidence to fly with Kate and travel short distance. A massive thank you to everyone who donated and all at Caudwell.”