Meet our IBD Warrior, Teddy
Around 380 children currently receive ongoing treatment for IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases) at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. One of these IBD Warriors is 9–year-old Teddy.
This World IBD Day, hear Teddy's story in the words of his Mum, Jane.
Teddy’s Journey
‘Teddy came home from school one Friday in February 2023 complaining of a sore stomach. By the Monday, he had passed blood numerous times so the GP sent us to A&E.’
‘After a series of tests and appointments, Teddy was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and spent almost a month in hospital.'
‘We are so grateful to the amazing ‘IBD team’ who have taken the most wonderful care of Teddy and are always there to support both him and our family.’
‘Teddy still takes daily medication, receives IV infusions and is also under rheumatology due to the painful joints he has as a result of the IBD.’
‘I think the biggest thing I’ve learned over the past year is just how unpredictable this disease can be.’
Jane, teddy's mum
‘Despite all of these challenges, Teddy has totally amazed us with how well he’s coped - not a single moan or tear at the numerous cannulas, scopes, fasts and blood tests'
'Without Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity's services, I really don’t know how we would have gotten through the long days on the ward.’
‘Thanks to charity-funded projects like the MediCinema and bedside Xbox consoles, Teddy always had something to entertain himself with and to look forward to during long days on the ward.’
‘Last September, Teddy raised over £3400 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity by taking part in their 10k Sponsored Walk!’
Wee Warrior
As well as being an IBD and fundraising Warrior, young Teddy is also a huge Glasgow Warriors fan.
Teddy is a Warriors season ticket holder, and when he’s not busy watching their games, he is out playing rugby with his local club, GHK (Glasgow High Kelvinside).
‘Our family have always been into rugby. Teddy’s Dad and I have been involved with GHK for over 7 years.’
‘We used to coach Teddy’s year group until last year when Teddy was diagnosed with IBD and had to take the rest of the season off as he was too unwell to play.’
‘Oli Kebble has been outstanding with him. He always looks for him at the end of matches and he even gave him an old bootbag of his!’
‘That weekend, Teddy decided to go back to school and club rugby with Oli’s bootbag in hand. He played his first match, scored a try and hasn’t looked back since - there wasn’t a dry eye on the side line.’
‘He’s not managed to play every weekend due to the IBD, but when he’s feeling up to it, he’s always on the pitch giving it 100%.’
Jane, teddy's mum
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is proud to be the official charity partner of Glasgow Warriors.
The Warriors support the Charity with visits to the hospital, tickets for games and merchandise to help their fundraising, and also provide social media support around their events and campaigns.
On Friday 19th April, The Warriors held their annual Plaster It Purple match in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity at Scotstoun Stadium against the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
'Our family were kindly invited to the game by Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, and both Teddy and his brother, Harry (12), were made to feel very special.'
'The Charity and The Warriors arranged for Harry to bring on the match ball, and Teddy was given the opportunity to lead the players on to the pitch at the start of the game!'
‘I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful this night was and how much it meant to us that Teddy was picked by the charity for this opportunity. We’ve not seen his wee face light up like that for a long time. We really appreciate everything that was done for us. It really was a night we will never forget - core memory made!’
Jane, Teddy's Mum
This year’s Plaster It Purple match delivered with Leidos, took the Glasgow Warriors’ 'Fighting for our Families' fundraising campaign for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, to an incredible £41,900!