CANCER patients past and present from Ward 2A Schiehallion at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow paid an emotional visit to the Munro which bears the same name.
Around 150 people – patients, friends, families and hospital staff – visited Schiehallion in Perthshire earlier this month in a trip organised by Glasgow Hospital Children’s Charity.
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The trip gave young patients and families an opportunity to spend quality time together out with the hospital ward and for some, climbing the Munro can signify an important milestone in their journey.
Shona Cardle, Chief Executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “The Oncology Ward at the hospital, known as the Schiehallion Ward, is inspired by the mountain and the challenges of young patients battling childhood cancer and rare blood disorders.
“The charity has supported these patients and their families at both the old Yorkhill and the new children’s hospital, so to be able to take so many children on this trip was fantastic.
“It was a wonderful day out and significant for many patients who were able to finally climb the Munro and plant trees around the site to mark their journey.”
One child who took part was six-year-old Calum Lambert from Livingston. His dad Derek explained that Calum wasn’t able to take part in the trip last year as he was still recovering from a bone marrow transplant.
Derek said: “You get so used to seeing everyone in the hospital environment, you forget there is a wider world out there for everyone to enjoy. It’s great that Calum has made enough progress to come along. Next year we’ll look to climb the mountain itself”.
Supported by the John Muir Trust, the event offered a number of fun activities for young patients and their families including wildlife watch workshops, storytelling, arts & crafts, climbing and tree planting.
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Dr Liz Auty, from John Muir Trust, said: “Partnering with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to give children from the hospital the chance to visit Schiehallion is a humbling experience and a pleasure for all of us involved at the Trust.”
Run in partnership with Ward 2A Schiehallion at the children’s hospital, the event takes place annually.
Kevin Hill, Director of Women & Children’s Services at NHSGGC, said: “I am delighted that so many patients and families supported by staff and volunteers were able to continue this annual tradition and enjoyed a tremendous adventure by participating in this activity which contributes to ongoing and future provision of high quality patient centred care“
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To support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity visit: www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org or call 0141 212 8750.
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