Hartford mum of toddler with no kidneys 'humbled' by appeal response

Claire Floyd's daughter, Jessica Floyd, who turns three in a couple of weeks, was born with polycystic kidney disease, and by November 2023, surgeons had been forced to remove both.

The day after she was born, doctors told her ex-soldier parents Claire and dad, Wayne Floyd, their daughter wasn't going to live.  

Jessica has spent about three quarters of her life to date on a hospital ward, but Claire and Wayne recently undertook eight weeks' training so they could do her dialysis at home.

But while all the medical kit was provided, her bed at home wasn't safe for the six-hour, four-times-a-week procedure.

As both parents were out of work due to the training, they advertised for a cot on a Northwich Facebook group where household items are given away for free.

Jessica can now have her dialysis at home safely (Image: Claire Floyd)

When the community learned of their struggles, the family were inundated with offers of financial and other help from people all over the town.

Claire, who says she’s usually a very private person, admits to being ‘blown away’ by the offers of support.  

“It was just so humbling,” she said.

“We had about 80 people offering to help us, whether it be with money, or help finding a cot, and all sort of other things.  

Claire Floyd (left) and young Jessica can now spend much more time away from hospitals (Image: Claire Floyd)

"In fact, I was absolutely blown away to the point I was in tears.

“It chokes me up now just thinking about it. After we posted about the cot, Jessica’s JustGiving page received donations of about £1,000.

“We were in such a difficult place as a family, and I can’t tell you what it felt like to receive that kind of support from people we don’t even know."

While both Claire and Wayne have both been assessed as potential kidney donors for Jessica, neither is ideal.

Dad, Wayne Floyd (centre) with Jessica and part of her nursing team from Manchester Children's Hopsital (Image: Claire Floyd)

Wayne has signed-up to a donor pool, meaning he can potentially give a kidney to someone else in exchange for one which Jessica's body will accept. 

Asked how she copes with it all, Claire said: “Jessica is the one living it, and she still manages to be happy.

“She find the strength to cope when she should be having a proper childhood. 

“She still emits joy. As a family, that’s where we get our strength from.

“There have been times when I’ve hit rock bottom, and been very sad, but I just take one look at her and it all fades away.”