Margo nursed my daughter Roma following 3 complex upper cervical spinal fusions within the last 10 years.After each fusion, Roma had to wear a halo for 9 months attached to her skull with pins at forehead and above ears. She was unable to wear proper clothes on her upper body except for a sheepskin lining and jacket.We found it really difficult to lift Roma because of the metal frame which was permanently attached to Roma's skull.

When Roma returned home from hospital after each operation,margo had everything in place in our home:profiling bed,hoist,commodes, sheets etc.

Margo came up with very practical and inventive ideas which were really needed particularly with regard to Roma's hygiene and comfort at a time when she had to stay in bed for months on end.Bearing in mind that the halo could necer be removed and Roma had to sleep in it it was therefore very difficult to wash hair or bathe.margo devised ways of washing Roma's hair using the bed and commmode.This gave Roma so much comfort and was so important when during one of Roma's hosptial stays she contracted head lice. That together with the heat and discomfort of wearing a halo was so difficult to manage but Margo had solutions for most things.

Margo also helped us to bath Roma's upper body by removing the sheepskin lining using novel ideas on how to prevent the bodice from getting wet using plastic bags.

Margo gave us so much reassurance on all sorts of things, particularly pinsite care and calibrating the halo. She was very attentive to Roma's infection risks and on many occassions organised swabs,medication and visited consultants with us.

We really loved Margo for her sense of humour,always able to lift Roma's spirits and ours.These were very difficult days and Roma looked forward to Margo's visits.We all built up a special relationship with Margo,Roma greatly respected her and would take her advice when Margo gently but firmly encouraged her to eat or drink.Margo could explain things to Roma in ways which I could not.

Margo treated Roma holistically, she and Roma had their own jokes and great conversations.Margo got to know Roma, and could talk about all sorts of things that Roma liked, books, films,Harry Potter.And while this conversation was going on Margo was doing something that Roma ordinarilly would not like-pinsites.

Margo also maintained a relaxed atmosphere in our home talking to Roma's siblings and making them feel special too.She also paid great attention and interest in what I as Roma's mother was doing or feeling and she arranged a carers assessment for me.

Margo is special!