Chloe’s story: creating a rainbow with Artfelt

The suns out, and even though there’s no rain, we’ve got no shortage of rainbows today!

Meet ten-year-old Chloe – proudly displaying the creation she made while staying at Sheffield Children’s.

Earlier this year, Chloe was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which is a condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed. It can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms usually start in childhood or early adulthood. Although Chloe lives in Hull, she was referred to Sheffield Children’s due to the specialised staff and equipment that we have in the Trust.

Chloe and her mum, Ellen, were in our hospital for a third time, receiving an infliximab infusion treatment, when the ward’s Play Specialist asked if she would like to try making something with Charlotte from Artfelt.

Ellen said: “Chloe is a creative soul, and this was a great thing to occupy her. She made her rainbow, and a weave. At home she makes cross stitch and pom-poms, and she loves building with Lego too.

“Everyone has been really lovely, I can’t fault them. During our visits we’ve met so many people, including the school teachers on Ward 4.”

Sheffield Children’s LGBTQ+ Equality Network have worked with Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity’s art programme, to put on workshops throughout July for patients and families. These workshops see artists, patients and families talking about what pride means to them.

Artfelt will be curating a digital collection of art pieces by patients, and bringing together a collection of words used by patients about what Pride means to them – which is where Chloe creative design comes in!

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Chloe!