Toddler set for charity walk after surgery in Glasgow

One-year-old Aidan was born with a large tumour on his right lung that filled most of his chest cavity, displacing his heart and left lung.

He went on to develop hydrops fetalis, leaving his chances of survival uncertain.

Just two weeks after being born, he underwent a 15-hour surgery at Glasgow Children's Hospital to remove the benign tumour.

Aidan and his family will take part in this year’s Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail (Image: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity)

Gemma Andrews, Aidan’s mother, said: "The day of the surgery was the longest day of our lives.

"We eventually got a phone call from the head surgeon that led the operation, who started the phone call with two words we will never forget: 'We’re ok.'

"Without Glasgow Children’s Hospital, we would not be home with our precious Aidan.

"They saved our boy’s life.

"They gave us our family of four."

Aidan and his family will take part in this year’s Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail (Image: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity)

Following Aidan’s recovery, the family accessed charity-funded services including respite care at Crossbasket House, near the hospital.

Gemma, from East Kilbride, said: "We stayed at Crossbasket House from October to December, and they couldn’t be more accommodating.

"It gave us a space we could go for respite and was only a short walk away from Aidan’s bedside."

Aidan and his family are now taking part in Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail, a sponsored walk organised by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and sponsored by Allied Vehicles.

The family raised more than £4000 through last year’s walk and will return again this year in support of the charity.

Aidan and his family will take part in this year’s Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail (Image: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity)

Kirsten Watson, chief executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "We are very excited to be bringing back Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail this year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.

"We’re so grateful to Allied Vehicles for their sponsorship and to every walker who will join Kami Bear for his 25th birthday party.

"Every step will go towards raising vital funds for the children and young people in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow."

The charity walk, taking place on September 5, will start at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow and follow routes through the city.

Participants can choose between 5k and 10k options, with entertainment and activities along the route.

Entry is £10 per adult, and children can take part for free.

To find out more or to sign up, visit glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org/support-us/events/800-kami-bears-teddy-trail-2026.