Latest news with #GlasgowChildren'sHospitalCharity
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Premature Clydebank twins saved by revolutionary co-sleeping cot
Macie and Marcus Lee came into the world at just 29 weeks and were the first to benefit from a specially designed co-sleeping cot at the neonatal unit at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Parents Jennifer Prior, 30, and Darren Lee, 38, were told to expect the worst at their 20-week scan and were warned their babies would be so premature that they would likely be stillborn. (Image: Colin Mearns) Little Macie was born weighing 2lbs and her brother Marcus just 1lb 3oz, but thanks to round the clock care of dedicated staff tasked with looking after them, the twins amazingly pulled through. They then made such incredible progress that were able to go home after 12 weeks in hospital. Now proud great-grandparents Yvonne and Peter Prior are on a fundraising mission to ensure the neonatal unit can buy more twin cots to help other families in a similar position. (Image: supplied) Yvonne, 67, exclusively told the Glasgow Times how she is in awe of her 'wee miracles', whose bravery continues to astound everyone. She said: 'Jennifer had a very tough pregnancy and was told to expect the worst at 20 weeks. It was a nightmare and we were all so worried at what lay ahead. 'She managed to hold on until she reached 29 weeks and Macie and Marcus arrived on January 10 this year. They were both so tiny, weighing not much more than a bag of sugar. 'From the minute they were delivered, they both needed specialist care and were the first to use the co-sleeping cot. This meant they could be together, and medics believe that made a massive difference to their progress. 'The twins continue to go from strength to strength. We could not be prouder as great-grandparents. They truly are our own wee miracles.' READ NEXT: Glasgow Postmaster devastated at branch closure fears The state-of-the-art cot keeps twins close and can support their development, strengthen their bond, and offer comfort, not only to the babies, but to families who may not be able to stay by their side overnight. (Image: supplied)Each side of the cot can be adapted to suit individual needs, with the option to place a heat mat under one baby for extra temperature support. The entire structure can also be gently tilted to help ease reflux, which is common in premature babies. These features mean twins can remain side by side, while still receiving personalised care. Until now, tots who were able to sleep together were often placed in a larger cot. The new design offers easier access, which is especially useful for parents recovering from birth and for staff who need to reach equipment or provide feeds quickly and safely. To give something back for the incredible care Macie and Marcus received, the family from Clydebank are backing a special effort being undertaken by Yvonne's husband Peter, who turns 70 this December. Peter with the twins (Image: Colin Mearns) He is cycling 106 miles throughout June for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity Stride the Clyde charity event. Yvonne added: 'We just felt as a family that we wanted to do something to help others in a similar position. We saw first-hand how the co-sleeping cots transformed life for Macie and Marcus, and we want to do our bit to make sure the charity can fund even more specialist equipment for the neonatal unit. 'Peter will cycle 10 miles a day and we will all be there cheering him on. So far, he's raised almost £600 of his £700 target. Any donation no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated and go to such a good cause - supporting the care of premature babies fighting for their lives.' To donate, click here
Glasgow Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Celtic stars visit Glasgow Children's Hospital with trophy
The players were snapped with beaming kids in their wards as they held up flags and the gleaming league trophy. A signed Celtic top was also snapped with one boy, as the staff at the hospital commended the footballers for a 'much-needed boost' for the kids. A Celtic FC spokesperson said: "Celtic's title-winning stars today made a fantastic trip to Glasgow Children's Hospital as they gave some very special young people the chance to see the newly crowned Champions with the Scottish Premiership trophy. "When the team visited at Christmas time to meet the kids at the hospital they promised they would be back. "And, today, members of the first team squad visited again, taking their special trophy giving so many deserving kids the opportunity to see Celtic's top prize up close." Celtic stars visit Glasgow Children's Hospital with trophy (Image: Celtic FC) Celtic captain Callum McGregor said: 'Having such a close connection to the hospital, we know how difficult it is for the kids there. "We know the really serious challenges faced by many of the kids and that so many of them are in the hospital long term too, so anything that we can do to lift their spirits in some way, then we are really happy to help.' (Image: Celtic FC) Kirsten Sinclair, Chief Executive of Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: 'We are immensely grateful to Celtic Football Club for their continued support and for bringing the Scottish Premiership trophy to the Royal Hospital for Children today. "Opportunities like this provide a much-needed boost for young patients and their families during what can be incredibly challenging times. "The excitement of seeing the trophy and meeting the players created a truly memorable experience that will be cherished by all involved.'
Glasgow Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children mark Star Wars Day
Members of the Imperial Scottish Garrison dressed up as the movie franchise characters to visit the children on the ward and give them a galactically good day. Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: 'Our young patients had a lot of fun celebrating Star Wars Day, as we welcomed our friends from the Imperial Scottish Garrison to the hospital. READ MORE: Marks & Spencer objected to circus but councillors say otherwise 'Visits like this are a fun, exciting distraction for children on days that might otherwise feel monotonous and bring a little bit of magic to the wards.' The Imperial Scottish Garrison represents the Scottish mainland and islands of the United Kingdom for the 501st Legion, which is a worldwide Star Wars fan club. The club celebrate the Star Wars universe using costumes and props, specifically Stormtrooper characters, Imperial forces and other various 'bad guy' characters. READ MORE: How much does it cost to be dropped off or picked up at Glasgow Airport? The Legion is a volunteer club and was formed to bring together costume enthusiasts. They aim to contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work. The 501st Legion has over 33,000 costumes, 15,500 members and spans six continents. Star Wars Day was created by fans and the chosen date is thanks to the infamous quote from the first movie, 'May the force be with you.'
Glasgow Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Kiltwalk sees nearly 20,000 walkers raise £3 million
Scotland's Kiltwalk has smashed fundraising records, raising a remarkable £53 million for over 4000 Scottish charities over the past decade. The turnout was so huge that organisers extended the event to two days, making it the biggest Kiltwalk in history. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Top comedian spotted joining Glasgow's Kiltwalk Sir Tom Hunter, whose Hunter Foundation underwrites the Kiltwalk to ensure 100% of donations plus Gift Aid go directly to charities, celebrated the milestone: He said: 'In the 10 years that The Hunter Foundation has been involved with Kiltwalk, you and our foundation have raised an incredible £53 million for 4000 Scottish charities. 'I believe the magic of Kiltwalk is quite simple: in every community across Scotland, there are people who need a wee hand up, and there are good folks like you who get up in the morning and help them. "All the Kiltwalk does is simply connect you. There isn't a prouder Scotsman on the planet than me this morning.' READ MORE: Glasgow pop icon Lulu set to receive prestigious award Russell Borrie, leading sponsor Arnold Clark's CEO, praised the walkers for their impact across Scottish communities, while TV presenter Paddy McGuinness rallied the crowd at the starting line. Beneficiaries of Kiltwalk's fundraising power include Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, which has received over £1.5 million from nearly 6500 walkers. Chief executive Kirsten Watson called Kiltwalk "a beacon of hope" for Scottish charities. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Huge techno festival set to release final tickets this week (Image: Supplied) Even smaller charities are feeling the difference, with A Bear Named Buttony raised over £11,000, helping 200 more children living with stomas. This year, walkers will also support Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four campaign, raising funds for five cancer charities following the Olympian's stage four prostate cancer diagnosis. To join or learn more, visit
The Herald Scotland
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Thousands of kiltwalkers raise millions for charity with record hike
Five thousand heroes walked from Clydebank to Balloch on Saturday, before another 14,000 heroes took to the streets and paths from Glasgow Green and Clydebank all the way to the finish line at Loch Lomond on Sunbday. As walkers set off, £3 million had already been raised, and this figure will rise in the coming days. The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, ensuring that every penny and pound the walkers raise goes to the charities of their choice, plus gift aid. It's the lowest-cost platform for raising charity funds in the country. Sir Tom Hunter, who led the walkers on both days, thanked everyone for their incredible Kiltwalk Kindness. Sir Tom Hunter and Jackie Bird join Kiltwalkers at Glasgow Green the start line of the Kiltwalk Glasgow 2025 as Kiltwalk celebrates £53 million fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers on 27 April 2025 - (Image: Kiltwalk) Sir Tom said: 'In the 10 years that The Hunter Foundation has been involved with Kiltwalk, you and our foundation have raised an incredible £53 million for 4,000 Scottish charities. 'I believe the magic of Kiltwalk is quite simple: in every community across Scotland, there are people who need a wee hand up, and there are good folks like you who get up in the morning and help them. All the Kiltwalk does is simply connect you. There isn't a prouder Scotsman on the planet than me this morning.' Paddy McGuinness joined Sir Tom Hunter to rally walkers at this year's Kiltwalk, after Sir Tom supported Paddy's epic BBC Children in Need challenge last year, which saw him cycle 300 miles from Wrexham to Glasgow. READ MORE: Speaking before yesterday's Big Stroll, the TV presenter wished the Kiltwalkers the best of luck, commending them for participating in Kiltwalk for their chosen charities and wishing them a safe walk on their journey to Balloch. Russell Borrie, CEO and Group MD of headline sponsor, Arnold Clark, said: 'Arnold Clark has been a proud sponsor of the Kiltwalk since 2016, and we look forward to lending our support once again this year in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. 'The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts. We know it's always a great occasion that's enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year. 'We're also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000! And this year, as an added bonus for Glasgow's Kiltwalk, we'll be giving £30,000 of car credit to the winner's chosen charity! Good luck everyone!' The event was a fun affair for the walkers (Image: Kiltwalk) Kiltwalk supports charities across Scotland. One of the largest involved is Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, with almost 6,500 walkers having raised over £1.5m for the organisation over the last decade. Kirsten Watson, Chief Executive, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: 'On behalf of all the children and families whose lives have been impacted by the Kiltwalk and The Hunter Foundation these past 10 years, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity extends our heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary support and generosity. 'The Kiltwalk is not just an event—it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of kindness throughout Scotland. Kiltwalk provides an incredible platform of support to charities throughout Scotland, and we are profoundly grateful for the positive impact made these past 10 years.' One of Kiltwalk's smallest charities, A Bear Named Buttony, has raised more than £11,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the 85 walkers who have stepped out on its behalf over the years. Helen MacFarlane, Trustee and Secretary, A Bear Named Buttony, said: 'A Bear Named Buttony was the inspirational idea of founder Jenny Gow and, to date, over 6,200 special bears have been gifted to children requiring stoma surgery. 'The smiles on the faces of the children receiving the bears are incredible, and they love having a friend just like them as a companion and comfort. Kiltwalk's donation will enable us to support a further 200 children.' This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer. This means anyone who walks for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's, and Prostate Cancer UK. And 10 charities were thrilled over the Glasgow Kiltwalk weekend when they discovered they'd each received £5,000 from The Hunter Foundation as part of 'the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk'. Next up is the Aberdeen Kiltwalk on Sunday 1 June, St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 17 August and Edinburgh on Sunday 14 September. It's still just £20 to walk thanks to The Hunter Foundation's support.
