Walking For Thea
Our Sponsored Walk & Fun Day is back – we can’t wait to see you there! Hear from hospital parents Nicole and Matthew who will be walking for Thea, their 1-year-old daughter.
Thea’s Hospital Journey
Thea was born on the 5th May 2021. When our little girl was just a few hours old, she had her very first seizure. She then spent 9 days in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Wishaw General Hospital. On day ten, we were discharged home. Within a few days, Thea began making strange movements which appeared similar to startle reflex - a typical motor response in new-borns. However, unlike startle reflex, Thea’s movements came in clusters and became more frequent.
Our nephew Jack had experienced similar movements so we recognised that it was Infantile Spasms - a rare type of epilepsy in babies. This is considered to be a medical emergency due to the catastrophic damage it can have on the brain. We took Thea straight to A&E at Wishaw General where we were transferred to the children’s hospital in Glasgow. An EEG and MRI confirmed our worst fears.
Thea was diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia on the left side of her brain which was extensive and also Intractable Epilepsy meaning she would be resistant to treatment. Luckily, Thea’s infantile spasms stopped quickly and we are so grateful to our consultant Dr McLeod for the quick and careful treatment of Thea.
“Thea may need brain surgery in the future but we know she is in the best hands at Glasgow Children’s Hospital.”
Mum, Nicole
We are also thankful for the charity-funded play team for all of the amazing work they do to bring joy to hospital families. On Thea’s first admission, they gave us cot mobiles and helped us to create art with Thea’s footprints which we love looking back on as she was so tiny!
Walking for Thea
We have been taking part in Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Sponsored Walks for the past few years in support of our nephew Jack. It’s been brilliant helping to raise funds for your amazing cause. Little did we know we would be walking this year for our own little girl. Thea inspires us every day with her determination so we want to push ourselves extra hard this year to raise as much funds as possible.
“This year we are walking for Thea and all the other children and families who are in similar situations to ourselves.”
Mum, Nicole
Thea continues to have many seizures a day however she does not let this define who she is; she is funny, sassy and her smile brightens up everyone she meets. With support from the Physio and Occupational Therapy departments, she is developing in her own time and has recently learned to sit and is trying to bum shuffle.
“She is our star!”
Mum Nicole and Dad Matthew
Some advice we would give to other families in similar situations is to seek support from family and friends, allow yourself to have sad days but also to cherish and enjoy time as a family where possible; go on holidays, go on days out and don’t let the condition stop you from making memories.
Join our Sponsored Walk and Fun Day
Feel inspired by Thea’s story? Sign your family up to our 20th Anniversary Sponsored Walk and Fun Day here.
EVENT DETAILS
- Sunday 4th September 2022, 10AM-4PM
- 3km and 10km routes available that are both fully-accessible and wheelchair friendly.
- Adult - £14, Child (5+) - £8, Child (4 and under) – FREE
After crossing the finish line, enjoy our Family Fun Day back at Kelvingrove Park and show off your medal! Even if you’re not taking part in the Sponsored Walk, everyone is welcome to join us for celebrations at the park afterwards until 4pm.
- Enjoy live entertainment from our brilliant performers
- Soak up the atmosphere and get family photos
- Help to raise funds with our child-friendly fundraising games and activities
The Difference You’ll Make
It's thanks to people like you that, 20 years on, we’re still there for every family when the lights go down each day after another difficult day in hospital. We can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone together with you at our Sponsored Walk.