Robin's Story | The Play Team at Leeds Children's Hospital

Because of Play… hospital felt less frightening for Robin and his family

In 2025, Robin’s parents, Becky and Ricky, knew something wasn’t right with their little boy Robin. And in the early hours of 10 April, 19-month-old Robin arrived at Leeds Children’s Hospital by ambulance. 

Just hours earlier, his parents had been told the devastating news that he had blood cancer. 

Further tests confirmed a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), and Robin and his parents would go on to spend the next six months in hospital.

Robin’s journey was far from straightforward. Soon after starting chemotherapy, he developed severe pancreatitis and treatment had to stop. His tiny body filled with fluid from head to toe, and diuretics offered little relief. On 8 May, Robin’s left lung collapsed. The following day, his right lung collapsed too. He was ventilated and spent the next few months in intensive care.

Then came further trauma when Robin’s bowel perforated, requiring emergency surgery. After this, he developed a widespread candida fungal infection and remained critically unwell in ICU. During this time, Becky and Ricky were told three times that their son might not survive. 

Through everything, Robin showed extraordinary strength. But when he first arrived in hospital, he didn’t understand what was happening. He was frightened by the endless stream of unfamiliar faces — people checking observations, performing tests, prodding and poking him. Hospital felt overwhelming for the whole family.

Becky and Ricky are incredibly thankful that the Play Team were there throughout their hospital experience and helped Robin to get back on his feet.

As Robin began to recover from his time in ICU, he couldn’t walk or talk. The play specialists on the oncology ward. Zoe, Sharron and Kay, all took time to learn who Robin was and what he loved. They found Marvel toys and dinosaurs, things he recognised and enjoyed, and sat with him to play for him when he couldn’t join in himself, making sure he didn’t feel left out.

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As he slowly regained movement, they adapted play to support his recovery. While Robin was in his adapted chair, they brought slime, paint, bubbles, blocks and animal flashcards. Through play, they helped rebuild his strength and coordination.

“He hated physio but he'd interact with the play team and they did loads with him to help his recovery.”

Although the play team had a big impact on Robin, they were also there for his parents— offering them a coffee, checking if they’d eaten, encouraging them to take a break.

“Go and breathe,” they’d say. “We’ll play with Robin.”

During some of her darkest days, Becky would leave ICU and sit with the Play Team on the oncology ward, just to talk to someone who wasn’t a doctor or a nurse — someone who understood and appreciated what they were going through.