…Nat Ellis! Huge congrats Nat. Nat's lovely friend Kirsty nominated Nat….and I believe there were a few different entries from other folk for her too! I asked Kirsty to answer a few questions about her…..this is what she said, but first let's kick things off with a cheeky pic of Nat with her lovely family (& Dick and Dom!)…
How long have you known Nat?
I've been friends with Nat via facebook for a few years, as we both have children with metabolic conditions that mean they have quite complex health needs and disabilities. We only really meet up for family events that we try to get organised, as it's pretty hard for many families like ours to actually get together, our children are unpredictable in their health and planning time around them can be hard work. Nat is in Burgess Hill and I'm in Worthing, so not quite close enough to grab a 15 minute cuppa!
This You Tube link is from the day we took over part of the Bognor Skate Park with a group of wheelchair users- it was so much fun for all of us, especially the children, but we were all exhausted after about half an hour! But this is exactly the kind of thing we are really passionate about – letting our children have real, exciting play experiences – not sitting on the sidelines or being made to make yet more handprints…which is often a go-to activity for children with disabilities! When they spend a lot of time in hospital and being uncomfortable, it really matters what you do with the rest of their lives.
Why did she deserve to win our Mum of the Month competition?
Nat is an amazing Mum, who manages to split her time between all of her children, even when Izzy is in hospital. As a single parent, I don't really know how she does it (as much as I sometimes say it would be easier doing it all myself, I would probably crack if I didn't have my husband walk in at the end of the day to take some strain, whether it's physical or emotional).
We all know we do just have to keep going, but she always has a smile; always has time to help other people and incredibly is still happy to help with some of the campaigns, such as the Changing Places toilet campaign, that has hit the headlines recently. It is really important that our families get to go out and enjoy day trips to all the places other families enjoy – especially when there are other children in the family who can miss out on so much and are usually very patient and understanding that their needs cannot be first that much. Making memories and living life to its full potential is something that should be an aim for all Mums – we never get this time back.
What would you like her to know?
I think she already knows, but it doesn't harm to remind her – that she is incredible and inspirational and that what she does with all of her children now is so important, they are amazing children, and they will look back one day knowing just how much she loved them and that they were her priority.
Huge congrats to Nat. Do you know someone that could do with a new parents gift hamper? Then get buying over at Mum's Back! If you join our mailing list you get 15% off your first order. We will also be launching our June Mum Of The Month Comp very soon.