Fundraising for Teddy – Taking on Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail
Our annual sponsored walk, Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail, is back and bigger than ever this year – we’re celebrating Kami’s birthday!
Last year, hundreds of walkers braved the rainy weather to walk across Glasgow and raise vital funds for Scotland’s busiest children’s hospital. Ahead of this year’s birthday bash for Kami, we spoke to Helen about her son Teddy’s time in NICU and their participation in last year’s Teddy Trail.
Teddy’s Story
We told last year how tiny Teddy was born 10 weeks prematurely and how both he and his mum, Helen, received care at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital.
“Navigating a traumatic birth, a difficult recovery with complications that required further surgery and the NICU all at once was terrifying and overwhelming. Teddy had a few little setbacks along the way, but his progress was brilliant, he fought so hard and overcame every obstacle. We were absolutely thrilled when he left his incubator at four weeks and we could finally pick him up for cuddles on demand.
“We spent a total of six weeks in the neonatal unit. Everyone worked tirelessly in the unit and were incredibly sensitive to my experience, providing invaluable support to me, Teddy’s dad Scott and his big brother Rory.
“Teddy is now doing brilliantly! He's such a happy wee boy, always laughing and smiling. Seeing him thrive after such a stressful start is everything we hoped for. He's developing such a cheeky little personality and has such a lovely bond with his older brother.”
Helen, Teddy’s Mum
A Teddy Trail for Teddy
During their time at NICU, both Helen and Teddy accessed several different charity-funded services, including Express Yourself, which continues to help mums from across Scotland provide breast milk for their babies with practical, thoughtful support in NICU and PICU. An Express Yourself pack provides each mum with a cool bag for safe milk transport, a water bottle, and contact details for infant feeding support.
After graduating from the Neonatal Unit, Helen, Teddy and their family have completed a range of fundraising and events to raise vital funds for the charity – including taking part in Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail last year.
“We took part in Kami Bear's Teddy Trail as part of Teddy's first birthday celebrations. For his party, we specifically asked family and friends to donate to the charity instead of buying birthday gifts. However, we knew our loved ones would still struggle not to buy him presents, so we also decided to take part in the trail to mark the occasion.
“Walking through Glasgow alongside other families felt like one massive celebration. To look down at our own little bear who started his life intubated in an incubator and see him smiling, clapping and completely enjoying the day was an unforgettable experience. It showed us just how far he, and we as a family, have come. His big brother Rory has a great experience too, he especially enjoyed the food at the end! It was also incredibly moving to see so many other children and families who have benefited from the charity’s work all taking part and sharing in that joy together.”
“When you are in the neonatal unit there is already so much to worry about so having some of that weight lifted by the services and products funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is incredible.
“Before our journey with Teddy, we actually weren't aware that Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity supported all the neonatal units in Glasgow. Once we realised the scope of the amazing work they do we were keen to use our fundraising to highlight this and direct the funds straight back to the Princess Royal Maternity neonatal unit that cared for Teddy.”
Helen
Making a Difference
Helen and her family have continued to fundraise for the charity since last year’s Teddy Trail, with her partner Scott set to take on the Great Scottish Run later this year. She encourages anyone thinking about donating or taking on fundraising events like Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail to “do it”.
“To anyone considering donating, fundraising or taking on a challenge like Scott is please do it. You aren’t just buying equipment; you are giving parents peace of mind and comfort during a crisis. Every single penny makes a tangible difference, and your kindness is never forgotten.
“Fundraising is vital because it directly impacts patient and family experiences. We wanted families on a similar path to ours to feel just as supported and cared for as we did. By backing the charity, we can ensure that future parents have the resources they need to focus entirely on helping their babies heal and grow.
“We want to send a massive thank you to the staff at PRM Glasgow and Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. The NICU can be a lonely and frightening place, but their support changes everything.
“We are also so grateful to everyone who has backed our family's fundraising.”
Helen
Thinking about joining us for Kami Bear’s birthday celebrations at this year’s Teddy Trail? Head to the link below to find out more on how you can take part.