Madi Brooks

For parents Oliver and Emma Brooks, Rainbows is “worth its weight in gold”. Their four-year-old daughter Madison – or Madi – suffers from a rare condition known as congenital myasthenia gravis. It makes Madi’s muscles weak and affects her breathing. And when she was diagnosed as a baby, doctors told the couple she would probably only live to see her fifth birthday.

Oliver and Emma, from Market Harborough, say: “Madi is always excited about her trips to Rainbows.” The visits also give them a much-needed break and time with their other daughters, Lorna and Amelia.

Oliver says: “When Madi goes to Rainbows, we have time to do normal things as a family. We know that when she’s there, she’s well looked after and safe. She had her birthday party at Rainbows in December; which was great, and we go to some of the family fun days. It’s nice to meet other parents who have sick children because in the community you don’t really get that chance.

“There’s nowhere else that can look after her – staff need so much training. We don’t work, we care for Madi round the clock. I don’t think we would manage without Rainbows. It’s not just when Madi goes there, there’s also always someone at the end of the phone.”

Emma says: “It’s very hard work. There are limitations on what Madi can do, so when she goes to Rainbows, we can do other stuff with our daughters. It means everything to us. We can’t wait until the Building for the Future project is complete – I think everyone is looking forward to a swim in the hydrotherapy pool!”