Inspired to care: Returning to the ward that holds my son’s memory | Latest news

Janet (Jan) Clifford shares her story of how she came to volunteer, exactly 20 years on, on the same ward her baby boy spent his final days.  

Jan gave birth to a baby boy called Rory Jack Clifford in 1989 at Queens Medical Centre (QMC). After a few days at home, Jan said, “something didn’t feel quite right and as a mother you know” and took Rory to the GP and was admitted back to QMC to undertake further tests. 

These tests revealed that Rory had an enlarged heart and sadly would not survive, upon which he was christened in the chapel and died the following day, aged 4 months old. 

It was later revealed that Rory had a genetically inherited disease called Pompe disease. Pompe disease is a genetic disorder where the body can't produce enough of an enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). This enzyme is crucial for breaking down glycogen, a type of sugar, within cells.  

Jan remembered the staff who cared for her son Rory all those years ago, recalling that one nurse even attended his funeral.  

20 years later after Rory died, Jan was looking to retire and said, “I wanted to do two things, number one join a choir and number two volunteer on a children’s ward here at NUH”.  

By a remarkable coincidence, Jan began volunteering on the 20^th anniversary of her son Rory’s passing — on Ward E37, the very unit where he had received care. Reflecting on that moment, Jan said, 'It was fantastic. I immediately felt at home.” 

“I love coming here, the staff are fantastic, they keep thanking me and I can’t thank them enough, it’s like a full circle really, I love it, I just love it.”  

The chapel at Queen’s Medical Centre, where Rory was christened, opens the book each year on the anniversary of Rory’s death and Jan adds a little message each time to honour Rory’s memory  

For the last 15 years, Jan has been volunteering on the same ward helping patients by getting them refreshments, talking to parents while their babies and children are being cared for as well as ensuring the staff have a cup of tea when they get the chance.  

For her dedication and service to NUH, she received her long service award and attended the afternoon tea that is held for volunteers who meet long service milestones.  

Jan said, “I was very grateful because they don’t have to do things like that, and the afternoon tea was lovely.” 

“I really look forward to coming here and enjoy coming here and its thanks to the staff for having me here.”