Scotland's Summer of Sport: Zoe's Story

Zoe is a super sporty 12-year-old. She has been cared for by teams at the children’s hospital since she was born at just 33 weeks. When she was 3, Zoe was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Koolen de Vries syndrome, but this has not stopped her from taking part in gymnastics, and completing Park Runs alongside her dad.

Read more about Zoe’s story in the words of her Mum, Katie, who shares how the charity has supported the family, and how sport has helped Zoe grow and thrive, both physically and mentally.

Zoe’s Hospital Journey

“Zoe was born at 33 weeks and spent the first four weeks of her life in the neonatal unit. After discharge she continued to be monitored by community paediatrics due to developmental delay.

“At 18 months, Zoe was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and came under the Orthopaedics. She required surgery followed by six months in a spica cast. She later required further surgery at age four, with another three months in a combination of spica casts and braces.

“When Zoe was 3 she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, Koolen de Vries syndrome. For Zoe, this causes learning disability, low muscle tone and epilepsy amongst other difficulties.

“Over the years Zoe has received care and support from many different departments including community paediatrics, dietetics, ENT, audiology, optometry, dentistry, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neurology.”

How Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Helped

“When Zoe had her spica cast she no longer fitted safely into a standard car seat, so the charity loaned us a specialist seat which meant we could still get out and about as a family.”

“As parents, we have benefitted from pulldown beds in the wards meaning we can comfortably stay with Zoe when she is in hospital.

“She has also benefitted hugely from the Playrooms and Play Team during her hospital stays. A special mention goes to play worker Audrey, who Zoe saw during her last visit to A&E following a cluster of seizures. Audrey remembered Zoe and went out of her way to bring activities she knew she would enjoy, including colouring pages featuring people from her favourite TV programme, Strictly Come Dancing."

“Small acts like that make such a difference during difficult hospital visits.”

The Importance of Sport

“Zoe has always loved sport. She joined the disability section at City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club when she was six years old and has been supported by the coaches to progress at her own pace and ability.

“She also enjoys running, inspired by her dad. Zoe takes part in junior parkrun most Sundays and even raised money for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity by completing the kids’ race at the Great Scottish Run not long after her 2nd round of hip treatment."

“Her PE teacher strives to make sport inclusive for Zoe and, through school, she has taken part in Gymfest and a City of Dance competition.

“Gymnastics has helped Zoe tremendously with her balance, coordination and overall strength, particularly given the low muscle tone associated with Koolen de Vries syndrome. Following her hip surgeries and long periods in spica casts, there were times when we were genuinely fearful about what Zoe’s future mobility might look like. Seeing her now able to take part in gymnastics, running and school activities is something we never take for granted.

“Sport has also helped build her confidence in her body after years of surgeries, casts and hospital appointments. Just as importantly, it has given Zoe a sense of belonging and achievement. Gymnastics is one of the highlights of her week and being part of a club where she is encouraged and included has done so much for her confidence socially and emotionally.

“Running has given Zoe the opportunity to enjoy exercise in her own way. While she may never be the fastest runner, she absolutely loves taking part, chatting to people as she goes round the course and giving high fives to all the marshals at junior parkrun. Seeing her cross the finish line with such pride and enjoyment means far more to us than any finishing time ever could.

“Sport has shown Zoe that she is capable, included and celebrated for who she is, and that has been incredibly valuable for her wellbeing and self-esteem."

“I think sport means a huge amount to Scotland. It’s incredibly inspiring for children to see world-class athletes competing on their doorstep, and we’re very excited that the Commonwealth Games has returned to Glasgow this summer!”