Latest news with #GlasgowChildren'sHospitalCharity
Glasgow Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Refurbished playroom making big difference at Glasgow hospital
The facility at the Royal Hospital for Children offers a safe, stimulating environment tailored to each child's needs. It can be adjusted to cater to a range of abilities and preferences, serving as a space for movement and physiotherapy or a calming retreat for children with neurodiverse conditions. Alfie and his mum (Image: Supplied) The room, originally established in 2015, was funded by the McIntyre family in memory of their daughter Chloe. It continues to be known as Chloe's Room, with a plaque of acknowledgement above the door. Read more: Former Rangers coach takes up key role at English club with return on the cards Takeover complete as football club set for new era Cllr Susan Aitken: The deaths of Kory, Amen, and Kayden are three deaths too many This year, the room was transformed with funding from the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and the creativity of the hospital's play team. Wendy McKechnie, health play assistant, said: "The children got so much out of the room that already existed, and we knew that a refresh with some of the latest technologies would have a big impact. Alfie (Image: Supplied) "Thanks to the support of Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, we've created a space that truly enhances the hospital experience. 'For children going through difficult treatments, even a short visit to the sensory room can lift their spirits. It's also a valuable tool for physiotherapy as children can be more relaxed and engaged, making therapy more effective and enjoyable.' The room features an Omi Vista interactive projector, which displays colourful games on the floor that respond to movement. This, along with touchpad mats that make sounds with movement, bubble tubes, and LED lights, provides visual and tactile stimulation for children with limited mobility. Julia-Grace with light squares (Image: Supplied) Amanda Kelso, mum of patient Alfie, said: "Alfie has Trisomy 21 and is peg-fed, so physiotherapy is a big part of his care. "Doing sessions in the sensory room helps keep him engaged and gives him a welcome change of scenery. "After three months in the hospital, that variety means a lot.' Stephanie Jack, mum of Julia-Grace, said: 'Julia-Grace has gone from going to school and attending clubs with her friends, to being in hospital for the past few months, so having any kind of distraction and a change of scenery keeps her going. "It's great to have space where she can play or just chill out. 'She loves playing with the floor projections, and the Play Team are excellent at making the games appropriate for each child too.'
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
