In June 2023 we were given the type of news no parent should ever have to hear. Our little girl Annabelle developed severe endocarditis and as a result suffered a stroke when she was thirteen months old.

After a long stay in critical care both in Edinburgh and Glasgow, she was given life saving open heart surgery to replace her damaged heart valve. After making an amazing recovery from surgery she then began her long recovery from the stroke.

We were then transferred back to Edinburgh where we began intensive neurological rehabilitation to help her regain as much function in her right side as possible . The damage from the stroke meant that she has limited movement and strength in her right side but she is a determined little girl who doesn't let anything get in her way.

On October 13th 2023 we were finally allowed to take her home and though there is still a lot of work to do in her recovery we are so thankful for all of the support we received.

During her long hospital stay we were kindly supported at both hospitals by Ronald McDonald house who gave us a home away from home and meant that Annabelle was only a few minutes walk away from us. We don't know how we would have coped without being near her while she was so unwell and both houses will always hold a special place in our hearts.

As the houses are charities they rely on donations so to support them and make sure they are still there for other families in need, we are trying to raise as much as we can to support them.

In addition to supporting Ronald McDonald house we also want to support Stroke Association who help to support stroke survivors every day and also to support the research carried out by British Heart foundation to improve on surgical techniques for people like Annabelle.

On Saturday the 9th March there will be a fundraising concert held in the Reconnect Regal Theatre in Bathgate with profits going to the four charities.

We will also be hold a raffle with an array of different prizes which have been kindly donated by businesses, friends and family.

The funds from these events will be split as 30% each to Ronald McDonald house Glasgow and Ronald McDonald charities UK and then 20% each to Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation.

Any donations to these amazing charities that you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children having treatment in hospital.

Our Houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services. This means that families can be by their child’s bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.

We help over 6,000 families each year and now, more than ever, we need your support. Thank you.