Hannah Gizatullin’s seven-year-old daughter has a rare condition that has left her reliant on a wheelchair after her family faced a devastating decision when she was a tot
For this selfless mum, seeing her children’s dreams come true is all she ever wanted. Like many parents caring for a seriously ill son or daughter, she faces daily challenges without complaints, putting her child’s happiness and well-being above her own.
Hannah Gizatullin’s seven-year-old daughter Emmie has Kniest dysplasia, a rare condition affecting her bones and joints, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair. She is also deaf and faces an uncertain future due to complications from scoliosis.
Aged just two, the family faced an impossible decision when offered a life-changing surgery for the tot. Hannah, 45, says: “They told us the chances of her surviving the surgery were too low. We had to make the heartbreaking decision not to go ahead.”
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Now navigating numerous side effects, Hannah was left emotional when the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK reached out after Emmie was referred to the charity.
For a little girl who loves animals, Make-A-Wish UK had the perfect wish in mind. They arranged a stay at the Lion Lodge at West Midlands Safari Park, where Emmie could see her favourite big cats up close.
Hannah says: “We hadn’t even heard of the lodge, but once we saw it, we knew it was perfect. Emmie loved every second. Sitting and watching the lions up close, it was surreal. Looking back at the photos, it still feels like a dream.”
Since 1986, Make-A-Wish has granted thousands of life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses in the UK, focusing on experiences that bring the kids joy or create lasting memories.
Peacocks is a dedicated partner that raises funds through in-store promotions, customer donations, and awareness campaigns. Hannah, who lives in Colchester, Essex, says the charity’s help has made a huge difference to them.
She says: “When you have a disabled child, you’re constantly fighting, for care, for funding, for basic things. Make-A-Wish doesn’t ask for anything in return; they just want you to have an incredible experience as a family. That means the world.”
It’s not just about the wish. It’s about the memories that last forever.”
Hannah and Emmie were recently treated to a photoshoot alongside Peacocks’ brand ambassador Louise Redknapp.
Louise, 50, Peacock’s brand ambassador and a mum-of-two herself, says: “It was so special to see the transformation. It’s not just about what people are wearing but the feeling of confidence that then shows in someone’s face. I loved getting everybody ready and I loved going through the rail of clothes.
“What was so lovely was when each of the ladies saw themselves being photographed and on screen. You could just see the confidence throughout the day really grow.”
Hannah and Emmie enjoyed a day of being pampered, with Louise helping them to pick out their outfits and style their hair and makeup for the shoot.
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