Supporting Billie to thrive
Billie is five years old and lives in Sheffield with her mum, dad, younger sister Ada and dog, Paddy. She is a happy, smiley and active little girl who brings joy to everyone around her. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Billie loves school, playing with her friends and spending time with her family. Her courage, determination and infectious smile have inspired everyone who has been part of her journey.
Billie was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2022. During treatment, she developed Grade 3 subglottic stenosis and bilateral vocal cord palsy, requiring a tracheostomy to be inserted in March 2023. When Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield began supporting Billie, she needed a dedicated team of clinically trained Support Workers. They could meet her medical needs while also helping her continue to enjoy her childhood through play, learning and community activities.
Throughout her care, Billie underwent numerous hospital admissions, procedures and investigations. These included regular blood tests, bone marrow aspirates, intrathecal chemotherapy and other essential monitoring as part of her leukaemia treatment. Despite everything she faced, Billie showed remarkable resilience. She was supported by her family, healthcare professionals and her Caremark support team.
Our approach
As with many children who require tracheostomy care, tube changes were an anxious experience for Billie and her family. Our Clinical Team worked closely with them to build trust, consistency and confidence. Support Workers were clinically trained and supported to provide safe, person-centred care that reflected Billie’s individual needs, routines and personality.
Over time, Billie became more familiar with her Support Workers and her confidence flourished. The team focused not only on clinical safety, but also on helping Billie continue ordinary childhood experiences. For example, she attended school, spent time with friends, accessed the community and enjoyed family life.
Settling back into school life
In September 2025, Billie started primary school with one-to-one support from a Support Worker alongside trained school staff.
This enabled her to settle safely into school life and enjoy the same experiences as her peers. Building strong, trusting relationships with our team became a vital part of helping Billie access education with confidence.
The outcome
Over time, Billie’s (subglottic stenosis) improved, with no dilatation required and the return of vocal cord mobility. One of the most significant milestones came when Billie was successfully decannulated and her tracheostomy was removed. It was a truly special moment and a celebration for Billie, her family and everyone involved in her care.
Billie has done incredibly well since having her tracheostomy removed and is now able to attend school without one-to-one clinical support. This marks a wonderful new chapter and reflects the remarkable progress she has made. While everyone at Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield will miss seeing her, we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved. We are also delighted to see her thriving.
It has been a privilege for us to witness Billie’s journey and we wish her, and her family, the very best for the future.
About Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield
If you have a child with complex and clinical needs, or if you advocate for someone who has, please view our complex and clinical needs support services in Rotherham and Sheffield or contact us today on 01709 789340.