Cali's Challenge
Claire’s daughter, Calista, spent time in our Schiehallion ward last year, undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of blood cancer. Staff on the ward and various charity-funded services made the family’s time in hospital as positive and supportive as possible.
To give back and say thank you, Claire and the team at Barclay’s Glasgow raised over £24,500 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity through corporate events, team challenges, and match funding.
Cali’s Hospital Journey
Baby Calista was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Lymphoma when she was just 9 weeks old. For her parents, Claire and Kam, it was a complete shock. They were told to pack a bag and head to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow straight away.
“The doctors and nurses were incredible, and the auxiliaries and cleaners on the ward were so lovely and supportive. You become like family when you live on the ward.”
Claire
Cali underwent 2 rounds of chemotherapy and multiple lumbar punctures, before receiving a bone marrow transplant in July 2024. She is due to have her 1-year post-transplant check-up in the coming weeks, a milestone which the family are excited to reach. Cali is now thriving as her Mum, Claire, adds:
“She is doing so well. Cali loves running round at warp speed and knows exactly where the snack drawer is! She loves people, says hi to everyone, and loves giving cuddles.”
How Your Money Helped
Whilst Cali was receiving treatment and in recovery, she and her parents were in isolation due to heightened infection risks caused by her suppressed immune system. Play Team member Linda would provide activities and toys for Cali, keeping her entertained throughout her time on the ward- something Claire and Kam greatly appreciated.
The family also managed to visit the hospital’s MediCinema once Cali was allowed out of her room, which was a welcomed escape, and a positive step in Cali’s recovery.
Building Partnerships
Claire works at Barclays in Glasgow. Last year, through the support of her manager and wider team, Claire was successful in ensuring Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity was selected as one of the beneficiary charities of the Barclays Supplier Event which took place in September, raising over £22,000 for young patients like Cali.
“My team and my boss have been amazing and incredibly supportive. So much so that Cali sometimes starts our online team meetings by saying ‘hiya’ to everybody!
“I knew I wanted to raise money for the hospital’s Schiehallion ward, given everything they had done for Cali. I also wanted the charity to be able to continue to support and help families like ours.
“Attendees of the event raised a phenomenal amount together, which Barclays matched funded. My team also raised an additional sum of money by doing a ‘Cali Challenge’.”
The ‘Cali Challenge’ saw members of Claire’s team raise £1,004 by giving up the occasional treat, such as a Friday night takeaways or daily coffees, and donate the money instead. This sum was then match funded by Barclays, bringing the total raised for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity by Barclays to an outstanding £24,654!
“We hope the money raised will help other families who find themselves in similarly difficult situations, and that it can bring some joy to them during their child’s time in hospital.”
Claire