The 'Weans' I Game For

Video game programmer Gordon is backing the Games for the Weans fundraising campaign, inspired by the care his daughters receive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. 

“We do seem to be over at the children’s hospital every second week, but every single time we’re over there both of our girls are looked after so well,” he explains. “Games for the Weans is a fantastic initiative and cause. I’ve played games my whole life so from my perspective there’s a lot of value in it, particularly for the children who are in hospital for long periods of time.” 

Gordon’s daughters Meg, 7, and Iona, 5, are taken regularly to the children’s hospital. Meg’s kidney condition requires frequent scans and check-ups by the renal team, while she has also had to deal with several respiratory infections. Iona, meanwhile, is cared for by the hospital’s ophthalmologists to manage her eye. 

“With Meg, one of her kidneys is a bit damaged. It’s nothing major but she’s been in for scans a couple of times and that’s been on the go for a few years. She also had a few respiratory infections and had to be tested for cystic fibrosis. 

“With Iona, one of her eyes is kind of turned in and she has a squint. She sees the eye specialists a few times a year to check that’s getting better. She also once managed to get a bit of metal in her eye and needed that checked out in day surgery. 

“Every single time we’re over there, both of our girls are looked after so well - from the doctors and nurses to the receptionists.  

“When Iona was in for her day surgery, she had a bit of a wait and one of the Play Team came down to play with her. She can be a bit nervous, so it helped that the charity is there to support these things.” 

We are delighted to have the support of Gordon and all the team at Nerial, who have sponsored the Games for the Weans fundraising campaign by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 

Games for the Weans calls on the gaming industry and community in Scotland to fundraise for children in hospital, with money going towards consoles, adapted gaming equipment and the Play Team, so that patients never game alone. 

By championing Games for the Weans, Nerial will help kids like Gordon’s own daughters while reflecting their own values, which make them a perfect match for the campaign. 

“I'd say it’s the best place I’ve ever worked. My wife is a nurse, so I’m the one doing most of the school runs and that means I won’t start until after 9am or having to pop out at 3pm. They understand how important those responsibilities are. 

“When I read about Games for the Weans online, I passed it on to our chief executive as I felt the charity and the campaign would be something we’d love to support. 

“If it’s what the children are used to doing at home, then it gives them that bit of normality when they’re in hospital. 

“We can’t wait to see how much the campaign raises and to bring the magic of gaming to the children’s hospital that supported my daughters.”