At Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, United Kingdom, a heartwarming bond has formed between a cat and a teenager, providing solace during a challenging time. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in March, 17-year-old Amber O’Gorman found unexpected comfort in the feline presence. This unique companionship has offered a source of support and warmth as Amber undergoes treatment and recovery.
Hospital cat offers comfort to girl with brain tumor in Cambridge
A nurse informed Amber about the renowned ginger cat who frequented the hospital, as per BBC. As a result, she became determined to seek him out. She recounted, “It was so lovely cuddling him — he seems to suck up all the negativity and replace it with positivity.”
Amber, a resident of St Neots in Cambridgeshire, started suffering from severe headaches in December 2023. Amber’s dad, Lee O’Gorman, shared, “Her GP prescribed migraine medication but I thought we should go to her optician to have her eyes checked.”
Subsequently, the optician noticed a swelling behind her eye. Thus, he referred them to the Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon. Following a series of examinations, she received the diagnosis of a brain tumor and was swiftly transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for urgent surgery.
Her father said that surgeons successfully removed over 90% of the tumor. Now mobile, Amber eagerly sought out Henry, the legendary “hospital cat.”
Amber noted, “It took a while, but I made it my mission, and yes, I found Henry … He was so soft, and he just lay there and let you cuddle him.”
Despite having a loving home nearby, the fluffy ginger cat has developed a preference for wandering the hospital corridors and frequenting the food hall over the years.
Just days post-surgery, Amber was discharged from the hospital on March 22. The teenager is now reunited with her cat, Oscar, at home. She expressed her joy, saying, “[It’s] so great to be home.”
