For Every Little Heart - Brie's Story

Brie was born with a rare congenital heart defect, Ebstein’s anomaly, that was diagnosed shortly after birth.

Brie’s parents, Jodie and Gary, knew that she would face surgery in the future but as a baby and toddler, Brie managed well and was able to attend school every day in Primary One. However, as Brie grew older, it became clear that her condition was beginning to deteriorate.

“She just wasn’t coping the way she used to. She was very tired, struggling physically, and missing out on things other children take for granted.”

jodie - Brie's Mum

Despite her determination to keep going, the family were told that the only remaining option for Brie was a heart transplant.

“It was devastating to know that our wee girl’s life was depended on getting that call.”

Four Months in Hospital

While waiting for a suitable donor heart, Brie’s condition continued to decline. She was admitted to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children, where she became an inpatient for four months.

For any child, long hospital stays can be frightening and overwhelming but thanks to the generosity of supporters of Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, the charity-funded play team was there for Brie.

“Jackie just knew her. She understood Brie even when she wasn’t saying much. Jackie recognised what Brie needed and gently supported her through personalised activities - crafts, puzzles and creative play that allowed her to play without pressure.”

Play specialist, Shona, helped Brie manage her growing anxiety around medical procedures.

“In the Teddy Hospital, Shona let Brie practise procedures on teddies and dolls, giving her a sense of control in a situation where she had very little. She even got to do an echo on her bear. It was mind-blowing, the change in my girl. The play team, and the way they worked with Brie and her clinical teams, are the reason she is able to cope with blood tests and difficult procedures. Before that, everything was so stressful for all of us.”

As well as input from the play team, Brie enjoyed charity funded projects like character visits and a new sensory pod in the atrium.

“Although we were obviously in a very difficult and scary situation, she actually got to experience so much that she might never have experienced outside hospital. It was just a wee glimmer of happiness…that meant everything.”

A precious gift

After four months in hospital, Brie was finally transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in December 2025, where she received the precious gift of a new heart.

“It really was a Christmas miracle, she had been ventilated the day before and we were so close to losing her. Yet by Christmas Day, we had her home, albeit on twenty-five medications per day.”

Brie is recovering well at home, but her journey continues. She remains a cardiac patient, requiring ongoing care, medication and monitoring.

Why your support matters

The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow is home to the Scottish Paediatric Cardic Service, caring for children from across the country who need expert treatment, equipment and support. Many of these children face long and repeated hospital stays.

The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Cardiac Fund helps ensure that children with heart conditions receive the best care possible.

Because of supporters like you, children like Brie can still play.
They can access life-saving equipment. Their families can be supported emotionally and financially. They can still be children, even in hospital.

Please consider donating today to continue care for young cardiac patients and their families from all over Scotland.

“I can’t praise the support we got highly enough. I’m so thankful…I can’t even fully express it.”