Kiltwalkers can make new A&E a bright place for kids

Kiltwalkers’ bright idea to help transform hospital for sick kids.

It’s the reason Kiltwalkers are getting ready to put their best foot forward.

A quarter of a million reasons in fact all of them pound notes guaranteed to make things brighter and happier for youngsters just when they need it most.

Funds from this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk, now exactly four weeks away, will be going towards Yorkhill Children’s Charity, who are responsible for a revamp of the A&E waiting area in the city’s New Children’s Hospital.

Currently being built on the Southern General Campus, the hospital will be a state-of-the-art 256-bed successor to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill.

For many children and their families, the first point of contact with the hospital will be the A&E waiting area and £250,000 funding from the Kiltwalk will transform it, as our exclusive photo reveals.

“The most important part is that first impression when the children and their parents arrive,” said Kiltwalk CEO Carey McEvoy.

“They’re stressed and anxious and the aim is to make that area as friendly and accessible as possible.

“It’ll be colourful and bright and child-friendly. No matter what the illness is, it can be scary for some youngsters to arrive at a hospital.

“So anything that can soften that and make it easier is wonderful.”

Head of Fundraising at Yorkhill Children’s Charity Kirsten Sinclair said: “Yorkhill Children’s Charity will give Kiltwalkers the opportunity to raise funds for interactive, educational and fun modules.

“They will help create an informative and stimulating waiting environment which is age and needs appropriate.

“This project is being developed by the Glasgow Science Centre and will create a wonderful facility for all who utilise it throughout the years ahead.”

If the £250,000 target isn’t reached in the Glasgow to Loch Lomond 2014 Kiltwalk, donations raised from the 2015 event will be restricted to make up the final total.

Nearly 3,000 took part last year and it’s hoped it’ll be twice as big on April 27.

With Hampden Park being redeveloped for the Commonwealth Games, the start of what’s now a 23-mile route will be the SSE Hydro.

“We’re delighted that Clyde 2’s Gina McKie will be on hand to make sure everyone gets off on the right foot,” adds Carey.

“It’s sure to be another fantastic day and with such a brilliant cause I’m sure everyone will have a spring in their step.”

Join Oor Wullie and Oor Team and register at thekiltwalk.co.uk. Teams of five or more can nominate a Scottish children’s charity of their choice to receive 50% of their funds. Kiltwalks in 2014 include Glasgow on April 27, Edinburgh on May 11, Aberdeen on June 1, Speyside on September 14 and Dundee on October 5. You can keep up to date with all Kiltwalk events on your local radio station too. Listen to Clyde 2, Forth 2, Northsound 2, Moray Firth Radio and Tay AM for Kiltwalk news in your area. See thekiltwalk.co.uk for full details.