Ruby wins Xmas card competition

RUBY McKernan was just eight years old when she started suffering with severe and frequent headaches.

At first her dad Gary thought she was just prone to migraines, but as the pain worsened he took her to the hospital where tests were carried out – and the results were shocking.

It turned out that Ruby was suffering from kidney failure, with the results revealing that her kidneys were only working at 15 per cent of their normal capacity.

The youngster from Cheadle Hulme immediately began four months of gruelling haemo dialysis at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, before having a Peritoneal Dialysis Line fitted which meant she could have her treatment at home.

In February this year Ruby underwent keyhole surgery to have her kidneys removed.

Now she is celebrating being selected as the winner of the hospital charity’s ‘design a Christmas card competition.’

Over the summer she had problems with her blood pressure, so she is now back visiting the hospital four times a week for dialysis.

Each of her dialysis sessions on the ward lasts four hours, so she distracts herself by drawing. When she heard about the competition she was keen to put her artistic skills into action and worked hard on the design featuring the hospital mascot Humphrey Bear dressed as Father Christmas.

Ruby’s dad Gary said: “We were devastated when we were given the news that Ruby had kidney failure – it was a complete shock to us all as we never thought that she might have such a serious medical condition.

“Over the past two years Ruby has spent so much time on dialysis – often six nights a week for up to seven hours at a time. Throughout it all she has been so brave and remains positive.

“She really is our little superstar and we are so proud of her.”

Ruby, who is now nine, is now undergoing further assessments to decide whether she is now ready to be listed for a new kidney.

Sarah Naismith, head of the RMCH charity, said: “Our patient drawn Christmas cards are always extremely popular with our supporters and I’m sure this year will be no exception.

“We loved Ruby’s design which incorporated our Humphrey Bear mascot.”

For more information visit rmchcharity.org.uk/ charity-christmas-cards.