Asiya and her son, Yahya [Photo credit: Beth Walsh]
A new parent retreat room on the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s high dependency unit has opened, thanks to the tireless fundraising of a mum who understands the importance of having somewhere quiet to turn during hospital stays.
The new room on Ward 12 was officially opened this week by fundraiser, Asiya Parekh, whose two-year-old son, Yahya, was cared for on the unit in 2020. Asiya raised more than £10,000 in memory of both her son and her father, who passed away just three weeks before Yahya, creating a lasting legacy that will support hundreds of families for years to come.
The parent retreat room is a calm, quiet, adult only space, designed specifically for parents and carers on the busy children’s high dependency unit and respiratory ward, which cares for children with complex health needs.
The parent retreat room was officially opened on 31 March
Families on the ward often experience long stays, sometimes lasting many months or even years and, before the room was created, parents had nowhere to step away from the bedside. Asiya, having lived through this experience herself, knew how vital it was to create somewhere close, private, and comforting, where parents could breathe.
Reflecting on her motivation, Asiya said: “This unit is where my two-year-old son Yahya spent his final days in 2020. I know first-hand how difficult it is for parents to leave their child’s bedside, even for a moment. We spent some time on the high dependency unit, and I know how important it is to have somewhere close by to gather your thoughts, take a breath, or receive news from a clinician in private. That’s why I wanted to create this room.
“I hope it offers comfort, dignity, and a small sense of peace to families like mine who are facing the unimaginable.”
Her vision, driven by the desire to help others facing similar circumstances, has transformed a previously unused storeroom into a dedicated retreat filled with comfortable seating, books, games, a radio and items to support cultural and religious practices.
Asiya added: “Three weeks before my son’s passing, I also lost my dad. I hope that this room becomes a lasting legacy for them both, to celebrate their incredible lives.”
The room is a calming retreat for parents and families
Asiya’s fundraising covered the majority of the £12,388.88 refurbishment cost, with the Leicester Hospitals Charity supporting the remainder. The space stands as a powerful tribute to Yahya and her father, and a reminder of the compassion that can arise from even the most difficult circumstances.
Sunita Patel, Head of Charity, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be able to open this new parent room following the fundraising efforts of Asiya Parekh. Asiya knows first-hand the need for such a space, and the opening of this room is made even more special by the fact that Asiya is a dear colleague and valued member of our charity fundraising team at UHL. She has privately fundraised for this project over the last few years, and we are very proud of her and grateful for her support.”
Bringing this room to life has also been a long-term priority for the Ward 12 shared decision-making council – a group of colleagues who work on the ward and come together to make local improvements for patients and colleagues.
The shared decision-making council worked on the project for five years. They partnered closely with Asiya throughout the process to ensure the room reflected the real needs and experiences of families on the ward. The team described it as the “largest and most meaningful project” they have been involved in.
The parent retreat room now stands as a space shaped by experience, compassion, and community effort. It is a lasting gift from Asiya, her son, and her father, to families who need comfort the most.