A TEENAGER from Wiltshire has told how a hospital charity helped her find hope during months of life-changing treatment in Salisbury.

Charlie Cruse, 18, from Westbury, has been under the care of Salisbury District Hospital since 2024.

A full-time wheelchair user with complex disabilities, Charlie lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder affecting her joints, digestive system and internal organs.

In June 2024, she was rushed to Intensive Care after struggling to breathe and was diagnosed with a rare condition causing severe inflammation of her throat and lungs.

During a long and challenging period in hospital, she says the Stars Appeal provided comfort, encouragement and a sense of normality.

“In December 2024, I was really struggling with my mental health and the impact my physical health was having on it,” she said.

“It was an overwhelming time, I felt hopeless and alone. I told my consultant, who referred me to the youth mentors funded by the Stars Appeal.

“I met Alice, my youth mentor, during a very long and difficult 44-day spell in hospital. She was there for me, peering her head around my bay curtain for a chat, allowing me to vent or talk about what I love most – wheelchair basketball.

“She would bring me activities to keep me occupied such as colouring, drawing supplies or clay so I could forget where I was for a while.

“Once out of hospital we’d go out together, which helped boost my confidence and independence to be out on my own.

“Alice has been supporting and encouraging me with my basketball and looking at university courses, things I didn’t even think were possible after becoming disabled.”

Charlie with youth mentor Alice.

Charlie said free Wi-Fi, bedside activities, sleeper chairs for her mother and the charity’s gardens all made a difference.

“I want to thank everyone who donates to the Stars Appeal for making all of these extra things that make such a difference to me and many other patients possible.”

To find out more about the Stars Appeal visit www.starsappeal.org