IBD Warrior, Teddy, Gifted Unforgettable Day with Scots Rugby Stars

Around 380 children currently receive ongoing treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. One of these IBD Warriors is 11-year-old Teddy.

We told previously about how Teddy raised a spectacular £3,400 by completing our 10k Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail in 2023, and how he fundraised for the charity at our annual Plaster It Purple day with Glasgow Warriors.

Now, the rugby super fan has been gifted an unforgettable day with the Scotland rugby team after he was nominated as an Arnold Clark Local Legend by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Thanks to Arnold Clark, Teddy received a special behind-the-scenes experience, including the opportunity to meet his favourite player, Zander Fagerson, who surprised him with tickets to Scotland’s game against France last month.

“It was probably one of the best weekends of his life! He met the full team, got Finn Russell’s shorts, and was gifted tickets to the match. The team came over before the training session and made Teddy feel like a superstar! He will never ever forget the weekend Arnold Clark and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity gave him! One of his favourite bits was how many players knew his name!”

Jane, Teddy’s Mum

In 2023, Teddy was rushed to hospital after becoming seriously unwell and was later diagnosed with IBD. He spent almost a month in hospital and continues to take daily medication, receive IV infusions and attend rheumatology appointments due to painful joints caused by the condition.

While visiting the hospital for his appointments, Teddy has continued to benefit from several charity-funded services, like Games for the Weans.

“Life for Teddy is definitely getting easier. He’s getting better at managing symptoms and getting in a good routine with his medication and hospital visits. The charity-funded services make hospital admissions so much more bearable… for us both! It allows kids to associate hospitals with good memories rather than surgeries / canulas / and blood tests. Games for the Weans is literally a game changer! So easy to use and keeps Teddy occupied when he’s in for infusions.”

Jane, Teddy’s mum

Teddy has also continued to fundraise for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, raising vital funds for children and young adults being treated in hospital like himself, and takes part in his local rugby club’s annual Plaster It Purple campaign, in partnership with the Glasgow Warriors.

“Teddy has been heavily involved with his rugby club’s Plaster It Purple campaign. He opted not to play at a recent tournament so he could spend the morning fundraising. He took his bucket round the pitches and sold raffle tickets.”

Jane, Teddy’s mum

A spokesperson for Arnold Clark shares:

“Despite everything he faces, Teddy continues to inspire those around him. As well as being an IBD warrior, he’s also a fantastic fundraiser. We hope Teddy had an amazing time cheering on Scotland!”

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is proud to be the official charity partner of Glasgow Warriors. The Warriors support the charity with visits to the hospital, tickets for games, and merchandise to help their fundraising.