Meet Fran Mullen.

Fran is the new Youth Worker at Oxford Children's Hospital – specialising in supporting teenagers, particularly on Mel’s Ward.

She started her role in February of this year, thanks to funding from Oxford Hospitals Charity.

Fran works closely with teenagers, providing emotional and practical support, and she is already making such a difference in the Children’s Hospital.

She told us: ‘The work is complex, but so positive – as I really feel I can make a difference. Some of the patients I support have anorexia, autism, severe phobias, and may self harm. Others have long term complex medical conditions.

‘My role is to be a friend, a voice and a support. I help patients understand what is going to happen in hospital and try to be by their side as much as possible.

‘This frees up other hospital staff, allowing them to focus on the clinical side of things.

‘I am very grateful for the support of the charity - I love my role here at the hospital; it is such a privilege to be able to support the young people I work with.

‘As well as funding my role, the charity is providing funding to refurbish the day room on Mel's Ward, which is the adolescent ward where I work - this is a really exciting project and I can't wait to see the results.

‘The day room is a non-clinical place for young people to relax, have fun and gain a sense of normality in an environment that can be overwhelming and scary. The refurbishment will create a calmer, more inviting space and will make a huge difference to every young person who comes onto the ward.’

When we met Fran to hear more about the impact of her role we were blown away by her ideas and enthusiasm – and we know she will make such a difference to older children in hospital.

And this extra support for these often vulnerable patients is all thanks to you, our wonderful supporters who help us do so much in our hospitals.

She's such a trooper she even took part in our recent abseil. What an inspiration.

If you would like to support the work of the charity to fund the extras that make such a difference it's easy to make a donation.