Supporting Scotland's tiniest lives | Avanna's Story

“The happiest day of our lives quickly turned into the beginning of every parent's worst nightmare.  There are no words that can describe the helpless feeling of standing beside your newborn baby knowing that every breath is so fragile.”

Baby Avanna faced many unexpected challenges during the first few weeks of her life. Thanks to Crossbasket House, her family were able to stay close by while she received excellent care from staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children.

Despite a difficult start, Avanna is now back home, “healthy, happy and thriving”.  To help support Scotland’s tiniest lives, Avanna’s dad, Connor, completed the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon, raising £2,572.

We spoke to Connor about Avanna’s journey through hospital and the importance of fundraising for other families.

Avanna’s Hospital Journey

Avanna was born at Queen Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy in August 2025. Shortly after birth, it became apparent she was having difficulty breathing. She was later transferred to NICU at the Royal Hospital for Children where she battled sepsis as well as severe respiratory failure.

Thankfully, Avanna was able to receive the treatment she needed to fully recover.

“For the first two weeks of her life, she was heavily sedated and paralysed to give her little body the best chance to heal. During this time, she underwent countless procedures and treatments, including cannulas, feeding tubes, body scans, blood tests, and multiple medications that ultimately helped save her life. Watching her open her eyes and start to thrive after everything she had endured was nothing short of miraculous.

“Today, seeing her healthy, happy and thriving reminds us every day just how precious that gift truly is. Avanna is our little miracle that brightens up every day with her infectious smiles and belly giggle laughs.”

Connor, Avanna’s Dad

Crossbasket House, which provides families with accommodation next to the hospital, became a lifeline for Avanna’s parents during such a critical time. It allowed them to remain close to their daughter’s bedside, removing the challenge of a 60-mile commute from home in Glenrothes, and allowing them to focus on what was important.  

“We found it truly incredible, and it meant so much to us. We hadn't even thought about where we would stay when we were rushed to Glasgow, our only concern was not leaving Avanna's side.” 

Connor, Avanna’s Dad 

Supporting Scotland’s tiniest lives

To give back for the care and support his family received, Connor undertook the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon in October, raising £2,572 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Neonatal Fund.

Money raised for this fund goes towards the staff caring for neonatal babies, as well as funding important programmes like Miniboos and vCreate, ensuring families are supported during a difficult time.

“I donated £500 to Crossbasket House when were back home safe with Avanna, and I was told about Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. The funds raised by the run are going to the Neonatal Fund, to help provide support, equipment and research into helping more babies.”

“What began as the darkest chapter of our lives has become a story of hope, resilience and gratitude every single day. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will help support critically ill babies and their families.”

Connor, Avanna’s Dad

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is grateful to Connor for raising an incredible £2,572, which will support families across who find themselves facing a stay in the neonatal unit.