Celebrating Volunteers' Week: Jenny's Story

For Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on the amazing people like Jenny who give up their time for children in hospital. 

Jenny joined as a Charity volunteer in October last year because of the care and support her little girl Liliana, 7, has received at the children’s hospital in Glasgow since birth. 

“I’ve been volunteering since October of last year,” Jenny said.  

“I helped at the pop-up stalls over Christmas and it was lovely hearing stories from shoppers about the charity and the children’s hospital, and their positive experiences. That makes you want to contribute even more time to this great cause. 

"I’ve also helped out at the Easter Egg Run. My best memory of volunteering so far was helping the 700 bikers weave their way past the hospital. Seeing the kids coming down from the wards to watch the bikes pass and their wee faces light up was so special, and Liliana and Alex – her brother – were both part of it. 

“It’s not just about raising funds – although that part is vital of course! 

“Seeing the children benefitting from these wonderful experiences because of the help of volunteers is what means the most to me.” 

Brave Liliana, who was born with a rare condition known as an anorectal malformation, required three major surgeries within the first year of her life. 

Little minds still worry, and that presented challenges of anxiety to overcome along with her medical needs. 

Liliana benefited from the Charity-funded Teddy Hospital to relieve those feelings through play, while the Play Programme also included brother Alex in activities to give Mum – and Dad Dominic – a chance to relax. 

“We spent a lot of time at the hospital in the first year of her life, and she began to develop a fear of all things medical as she got older. 

"We hadn’t expected that to happen because of how little she was. Any blue uniforms, she got scared.

“The Play Specialists, supported by the Charity, were amazing. They took Alex to the playrooms for activities so that my husband and I could catch our breath. 

“As Liliana grew into a toddler and the fear developed, we were referred to the Teddy Hospital, which she’s been attending on and off since she was about two-and-a-half. 

“For a number of visits, she played with the toys as we prepared for an ultrasound. The first attempt didn’t go very well, but the second time Liliana was brilliant.  

“We have noticed such a big change in her. When she went to get her jags at three years old I was dreading it but, again, the Teddy Hospital team helped her prepare. 

“After lockdown lifted she had a new routine to follow every day as part of her treatment, and the Teddy Hospital helped her settle into that. 

“With both kids now in school I wanted to give back, so I offered to volunteer for this fabulous cause and would encourage anyone to do the same this Volunteers’ Week.”