For Every Little Heart
Your support this February helps give children with cardiac conditions the care, comfort and life-saving treatment they need.
Every year, hundreds of children come to Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children needing specialist cardiac care. For some, it’s a short visit. For others, it’s months in hospital, multiple procedures, and life-changing surgery.
During those long, worrying days, children and families rely on more than medical treatment alone. They rely on play, comfort and specialist care to help them cope, recover and heal.
This February, we’re asking you to help support children with heart conditions by donating to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Cardiac Fund.
For every little heart, every moment of care matters.
Your donation helps fund vital support for children with heart conditions, including:
• Play therapy to help children cope with long hospital stays, procedures and recovery
• Specialist equipment that supports life-saving cardiac care
• Enhanced ward environments that reduce stress and anxiety
• Support for families during some of the hardest moments of their lives
• Innovation and improvements in paediatric cardiac treatment
Every pound you give helps children receive the care they need, when they need it most.
BRIE’S STORY
Brie was born with a rare congenital heart defect, Ebstein’s anomaly, diagnosed shortly after birth. While she managed well as a baby and toddler, her condition worsened as she grew older.
“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.”
Eventually, Brie’s family were told the only remaining option was a heart transplant.
“It was devastating to know that our wee girl’s life depended on getting that call.”
While waiting for a suitable donor heart, Brie became seriously unwell and spent four months in hospital at the Royal Hospital for Children.
Brie was supported by the charity-funded play team, who transformed her hospital experience.
“Jackie just knew her. She understood Brie even when she wasn’t saying much.”
Through crafts, puzzles and creative play, the play team helped Brie feel safe and supported. Play specialist Shona also worked with Brie to reduce her anxiety around medical procedures using Teddy Hospital.
“She even got to do an echo on her bear. It was mind-blowing - the change in my girl. The play team are the reason she can cope with blood tests and procedures.”
Charity organised character visits, musicians and magicians brought moments of joy during a frightening time.
“It was just a wee glimmer of happiness - but it meant everything.”
After four months in hospital, Brie received the precious gift of a new heart at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“It really was a Christmas miracle. We were so close to losing her.”
Brie continues to recover, but she remains a cardiac patient who will need lifelong care.
Why your support matters
Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children is the home of the Scottish Paediatric Cardiology Service, caring for children from across the country who often face long hospital stays.
"All paediatric cardiac patients who require a stay in hospital come to Glasgow. We also run outreach clinics across the country, with our team travelling as far as Shetland"
Dr. Lindsey hunter - cardiac consultant
The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Cardiac Fund helps provide life-saving care, vital play support and comfort for children like Brie.
“I can’t praise the support we got highly enough. I’m so thankful - I can’t even fully express it.”
jodie, brie's mum