Amazing Grace is Home for Christmas
After a long journey, Grace is finally home for Christmas! Hear from her mum, Vicki, as she shares how your generous donations helped make their time in the hospital as comforting and special as possible.
Grace’s Hospital Journey
“Grace’s life has been a series of hospital visits. Born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (essentially half a heart), she’s faced challenges from day one.”
"There was a point when we were told she might not make it through the night, but Grace’s fighting spirit shone through, even as a baby.”
“Just before she was four months old, we finally brought her home after her first heart surgery. Before her first birthday, she had already undergone two heart surgeries.”
“In October 2024, we returned to the hospital for a scheduled heart surgery. Following the procedure, Grace suffered a stroke."
"Our world was turned upside down. We were warned that, if she survived, the little girl we brought into the hospital might not be the same one we’d bring home.”
“The stroke affected the left side of her brain, which in turn impacted the right side of her body. She became non-verbal, and the entire right side of her body was immobile. Doctors said she might regain some movement, but there was a possibility she’d need a wheelchair for life.”
“Once Grace’s cardiac care was stable, we moved to Ward 3A for rehabilitation. Progress was slow but steady. Movement returned to her leg first, while her arm took a little longer. Her voice returned too, thanks to the exceptional support from the hospital’s speech and language therapy (SALT) team.”
“Her speech continues to improve, though she’s currently able to string together about 6 or 7 words at a time. It’s been a gradual process, but we’re celebrating every milestone.”
“Thanks to the amazing physiotherapy team, she’s made amazing progress. She’s now able to move her arm over her head and even walk unaided!”
“She’s our wee Christmas miracle!"
vicki, grace's mum
“Despite everything she’s faced, she’s never lost her cheeky sense of humour, and she continues to amaze us every day.”
Special Memories
“Thanks to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, our family have created so many special memories during Grace’s time in hospital.”
“One of Grace’s favourite moments during her hospital stay was meeting the Celtic football team, as she is a huge fan!”
“A few days later, Grace also got to meet some of the Rangers FC Men’s and Women’s players!”
“Another highlight was meeting the Scottish Ballet dancers. Grace was especially thrilled to meet a dancer named Grace, who wore a beautiful purple dress. Our Grace hasn’t stopped talking about her and continues practicing her dance moves at home!”
“Grace also enjoyed sing-a-longs with none other than the Glasgow Warriors rugby team and some Disney princesses!”
"Grace also enjoyed a special visit from Santa himself!"
“Chelsea, the play team member on 3A, has been a true angel for Grace. From the moment they met, they’ve been inseparable. If I could wrap Chelsea up and bring her home with us, I would! She’s one in a million.”
“Grace also adored the charity-funded sensory room, which became a safe haven for her. With its soft, matted floors, she could play freely without the fear of falling.”
“Another unforgettable experience was the MediCinema. Over our three-month hospital stay, Grace got to watch movies, including 'Moana 2'. For that hour, it didn’t feel like we were in a hospital. It felt like a trip to the cinema — a rare moment of normality amid the chaos.”
“The charity has done so much for Grace over the past five years, but their support during her most recent hospital stay has been extraordinary. They’ve made her feel like a celebrity!"
vicki, grace's mum
"Before we left, Chelsea and the charity team surprised Grace and I with presents! It was so thoughtful of them and a lovely send off for us."
"Mum, here is a canvas of the steps I took in hospital. Thank you for helping me walk through my journey. I love you, Grace."
Crossbasket House: A Home Away From Home
“When Grace was first born, we stayed at Crossbasket House for three months."
"Over the last five years, we’ve had to rely on their support multiple times. The staff feel like family now. They’re always ready to chat and offer support when it’s most needed.”
“The rooms are lovely, but I’ve got to mention the showers! After 12 hours at the hospital, coming back to one of those showers felt like a luxury. It’s something so small, but it’s moments like that which keep you going.”
“The kitchen areas were a lifesaver. Being able to cook a proper meal rather than rely on microwave dinners made a world of difference."
"There’s also a space to relax on comfy couches, where you meet other families and form friendships that last a lifetime.”
“Grace loved being involved with the Christmas light switch-on at Crossbasket House this year!”
“The décor is warm and welcoming, and the bedrooms are incredibly comfortable — it’s truly a home away from home."
"I’ll forever be in debt to Crossbasket House and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for keeping us close to Grace during the toughest times.”
vicki, grace's mum
Looking Ahead
“We’ll be back at the hospital in January to complete Grace’s rehabilitation. But for now, we’re cherishing every moment at home during Christmas and New Year."
“Grace’s journey has inspired others to give back. Her primary school, Riverbank Primary, collected £300 for the charity at their Nativity play. Her aunt’s employer, Albert Bartlett, donated £725 at their Christmas party.”
“Her recovery is going incredibly well, and we’re filled with hope for the future.”
vicki, grace's mum
"None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of the occupational therapists, physiotherapists, Chelsea and the play team, Crossbasket House and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity."
"They’ve transformed what could have been a traumatic experience into one filled with love, hope, and special memories.”