Help support Penelope and her family
Please help support Penelope and her family at this difficult time
Southland
Penelope is a beautiful 15 month old Southland girl, who is currently in Starship hospital. Last week Penelope was struck down by a rare bacterial infection. She had a rapid deterioration and was rushed to hospital on 29th January then transferred to Starship Hospital in Auckland on 1st February. She continues to be cared for in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Penelope is a strong determined little girl, but she does face a long road to recovery.
This has been an incredibly tough and emotional time for her parents, Henrietta and Bill as they focus on what matters most – being by her side and supporting her through her treatment and recovery. Her family will be based at the Ronald McDonald House at Starship for the foreseeable future.
This page has been set up to help ease some of the financial pressure so her family can be fully present for Penelope. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards supporting Penelope and her family during this challenging time. Penelope also has a 3 month old baby brother- Arthur at home. Being separated as a family during this time has been especially hard. These funds will help support bringing the family together as much as possible so they can be there for each other while Penelope receives the care she needs. If you’re unable to donate, even sharing this page means the world.
Thank you for your kindness and support 💛
Alice Hazlett's involvement (page creator)
Penelope's Aunt and sister in law to Henrietta and Bill
Use of funds
Immediate daily costs- flights, meals, childcare, transport, accommodation Ease of financial stress- e.g. mortgage, Bills. Rehabilitation and future healthcare needs for Penelope.
Latest update
Penelope’s road to recovery 16 March 2026
We wanted to share a little update and another thank you to everyone who has supported Penelope and her family over the past couple of months.
Penelope has recently transferred back to Invercargill Hospital, where she continues to receive care as she recovers from a brain injury that was caused by her illness.
Henrietta and Bill remain by her side around the clock, supporting her every step of the way.
Penelope is making small but positive steps forward each day. Her recovery journey will be a long one, with ongoing rehabilitation and further trips to Auckland for more intensive rehab when the time is right. Penelope is a very tough wee girl who continues to show strength and determination everyday.
Arthur currently remains in the primary care of his grandparents however with the transfer south this will bring more time and opportunity for the family to be together again in the coming weeks.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Help Fundraise
You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.