A five-year-old from the North West whose life has been sustained by repeated blood transfusions enjoyed a memorable morning in Blackpool after meeting Mouse from The Gruffalo.
World-first appearance at Blackpool attraction
Ruby Marshall, who was diagnosed with Pearson’s syndrome as an infant, visited the The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool on a specially arranged visit. Organisers say this marked a world-first appearance of the Mouse character at the attraction, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments.
Ruby attended with her parents, Nikki and John, and her sisters, Connie, nine, and Freya, seven. The visit included a VIP meet-and-greet with Mouse and a private storytelling session.
“I love Mouse – it is my favourite character ever! I have all of the books and it was just so exciting to meet Mouse in person. It is a day I will never forget!”
Life sustained by blood donations
Pearson’s syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disorder that can be life-threatening. Ruby was diagnosed at around 11 months and, during an early period of her illness, required regular transfusions. The family say she received up to 30 to 40 units of donated blood in total to help keep her alive.
“Pearson’s syndrome is ridiculously rare and doesn’t have a great prognosis… We feel lucky that Ruby is still alive as a lot of babies don’t make it to their first birthday,”
Her mother described the family’s approach as one of treasuring good times and making memories while Ruby is well. The transfusions gave the child the strength to play with her siblings and continue reaching milestones the family had not expected.
Practical details and local context
The event underlines both the role of local attractions in community engagement and the life-saving importance of blood donation. For readers considering donation, local NHS Blood and Transplant services offer details on eligibility and local sessions. Community donors in Blackpool and the wider region have provided critical support to patients with rare conditions like Ruby’s.
- Visitor: Ruby Marshall, aged 5
- Condition: Pearson’s syndrome (rare mitochondrial disorder)
- Location: The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Blackpool
| Family member | Age |
|---|---|
| Ruby | 5 |
| Connie | 9 |
| Freya | 7 |
| Jack | 16 |
The family emphasised that while there is no cure and research is limited, the transfusions that Ruby has received from volunteer donors have been central to keeping her well enough to enjoy days like this one.
The visit also provided an example of how cultural venues and attractions can offer tailored experiences for families facing medical challenges.
