So at 2pm, I legged it into Acorn House, which is the Cambridge ‘branch’ of the Sick Children’s Trust. I was running late, on a tight schedule and rushed. I’d wanted to postpone, as I’ve got so much going on at the moment. But I’m glad I didn’t. In fact, more than that, it made me want to say Thank you to him upstairs for people who help others when they really need it. And I want to be one of those people..

Acorn House, Cambridge

This doesn’t look like much from the outside does it?

But inside, it’s an oasis of peace, calm and an opportunity to escape for families who really need it.

The Sick Children’s Trust in Cambridge is based in the grounds of Addenbrookes. It’s run by Joy, who is the nicest person you could wish to meet. And given half a chance, I think she could talk as much as I do, which is always good to find….

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Stats: 16 bedrooms, with a 98% occupancy rate every month, helping  640 families every year, to stay together, when they need it most.

Their strapline is “we’re here so you can be there” and that’s something that I know personally, has a really big impact. When W was just 13 weeks old, he became ill, very suddenly, and we were taken by ambulance from a local hospital in Cromer to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Whilst they tried to work out what was wrong, Lovely Bloke and I stayed with him. E was collected by Nana and Grandad and it was the longest 3 nights of my life. It was even more difficult for Lovely Bloke, bless him, as he slept in the car – we both wanted him to be close by and there if W or I needed him. I get teary just thinking about it.

The facilities are amazing – two beds, a pull out bed underneath, travel cots if needed, washing facilities in the room, lots of showers, baths, washing machines, everything you can think of is there. The kitchen area is brilliant, and there’s a beautiful lounge, with a HUGE tv, dvds and also, a quiet room, where families can have a bit of time out when it’s needed. It’s also used by staff to have conversations with families when they want to be able to give people their full attention as someone who’s had those “chats”, that’s something special in itself.

Thankfully, W is now fighting fit and creating havoc in the house as I type. But it’s not the same for everyone, and Acorn House could really do with some help. And for once, it’s not about the money.

- they could do with a business donating 200 towels to them, so they could give them to families
- they need £750 worth of washing up liquid, toilet rolls and washing powder
- they need samples of smellies – shampoo, conditionner, shower gel, flannels, toothpaste

These things aren’t luxuries or treats – they are for the people who arrive in the middle of the night, unnanounced, wearing the clothes they came in.  Joy told me about a new mum who arrived with her 48 hour old baby at 3am this morning, and didn’t even have a change of clothes with her. That’s hard isn’t it – can you remember being a new mum? I can, leaking everywhere, feeling like I’d been hit by a truck and not knowing what day it was? Imagine having your baby in intensive care on top of that – can you? I don’t want to, because it upsets me.

I’m going to be approaching some of the local names I know, to ask them to help me give towels and samples of smellies to make life a bit easier for the people who need it most. Do you know of a brand, local business or people who could help with this? I’m happy to proclaim their name far and wide if you can help me get this off the ground. Because it’s something that I know would have a huge impact for very little cost and time on my part.

I’m looking forward to you opening your address books when I email, tweet or call you shortly… :)

And the smaller one. And the smallest one. And it’s the smallest one that’s most important to me today. I’ve had a busy day – leaving the house at 6.30am  and getting home at 6.10pm. And when I got home, I cuddled  and squeezed all three of my best boys, and shared a bath with the two littlest ones ;)

It was such a nice thing to come home to – E and W were so pleased to see me. And me them. But it was after lights out that I was really struck by how much I’ve missed them all. So when E wouldn’t go to sleep, I let him get in our bed and right now, he’s in  it. I’m going to go up and try to get him into his bed, but if he’s not keen, I’ll let him stay with us.

Bad mummy? To some yes. But to me, it’s a good mummy thing  – being there for my little people. I’m seeing the bigger picture because  in a fewye

I am gutted. I thought I was soooo smart, having my hair that was past my shoulders cut into a statement haircut – you know, all chic, cool and sassy. And instead, I look like a berk. It’s really hard for me. I think to myself “it’s ok, it’s going to grow”.. but I’m to look even more of a pillock whilst my hair grows out. I’m so angry with myself for being so silly.

I tried to be all nonchalant – saying “if I don’t get used it, I’ll grow”. But it’s not going to grow quick enough. I am so annoyed with myself. I look so, well, butch.

I don’t need you to come flooding in with the “oh you are still lovely” comments, I’m just putting it out there that I know it doesn’t change who I am, but I’m, well, quite annoyed with myself every time I look in the mirror…

As soon as it’s grown a mm I’ll let you know…