Angela Gets Set to Pedal It Purple!

Former patient and inspirational fundraiser, Angela, is all set to Pedal It Purple with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. Could you join her?

When Angela was born, she weighed only 5.5lbs. After giving her Mum a quick cuddle, she was taken immediately to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit.

It was here in her first few hours that Angela was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and oesophageal atresia which is a condition meaning her oesophagus was not connected to her stomach.

At one day old Angela faced her first surgery which would enable her to be fed straight into her stomach. This was followed by 3 more months in hospital, and more surgery before finally getting home for the first time at 5 months old. 

The next seven months were spent making trips back and forth to the hospital for surgeries, with Angela facing life-threatening complications when she was only one.

She was taken to the ICU and for five long months things had to be taken minute by minute. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the doctors and nurses of Yorkhill, Angela started to gain her strength. It wasn't until August 2004, after over 250 nights spent in hospital and many surgeries, that Angela was finally able to go home for good.

"When faced with the task of finding a way to show your gratitude, it seems that “thank you” just isn't enough. We will always be grateful to those who saved Angela’s life and gave her the opportunity to grow into the amazing young lady she is. We have nothing but admiration and respect for the work the doctors, nurses and charity do together and we hope that by fundraising we can help them continue to keep doing what they do so well."

Nick, Angela’s dad

Now 17, Angela has thrived despite a challenging start, and continues to amaze and inspire all who know her with her kindness and generosity.

Proud of her special connection to the children's hospital, Angela loves the opportunity to give back. She has decided to dress up her bike, and cycle her socks off for Pedal It Purple - and it would mean the world if you could join her too:

"Angela has a big heart and it shows every day. She calls Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity "my charity” because she knows she spent time in the hospital, but also because she genuinely loves to support and fundraise for them. From her Charity Sweet 16 to her 'DIY McDonald’s Party', she enjoys coming up with new ways to get her family involved."

Monica, Angela’s mum

Your support matters now more than ever for seriously ill children in hospital. We are relying on your fundraising and donations to ensure that we can continue being there with out life-changing projects, to ensure that young patients receive the extra special care they deserve. 

There's still time to register to Pedal It Purple with us. Simply choose one of our virtual distances, and try your best to complete it by the end of October. Adult entry is only £8, with free entry for children and NHS staff. We hope you can join us!