Glasgow girl, 5, who helped raise alarm for ill gran wants to be nurse

“I want to learn how to be a nurse," declares the five-year-old from Garrowhill. "Because I want to help people."

The little girl knew how to call 999 for an ambulance when her gran Christine took ill suddenly while watching Esme and her twin brother Evan last year.

“Esme was only four, but she understood something was wrong and that her nana was in a lot of pain,” explained the twins’ mum Heather.

Twins Evan and Esme Jenkins, with their parents Thomas and Heather. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

“She was ready to phone 999 - I arrived in time to do it, and my mum was fine, she was treated for a kidney stone - but ever since then Esme has been fascinated with paramedics and nurses, and she has made her mind up it’s what she wants to do.”

Esme and Evan are one of three sets of twins starting at Garrowhill Primary in the East End of Glasgow on Wednesday (August 12). A total of 56 sets of twins and one set of triplets - one of the highest intakes on record - start at Glasgow schools for the 2026/27 session.

Five sets of twins and a set of triplets from three Glasgow primary schools- Garrowhill Primary, St John Paul II and Miller Primary gather for a group photograph at Miller Primary School in Castlemilk ahead of their first day at school (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

“I’m excited about learning writing and football,” said Evan. “I want to learn about numbers and nursing,” said Esme.

Mum Heather, who is an A&E supervisor, and dad Thomas, a store manager, admitted it was “an emotional day”.

“It’s just because we know we won’t have any more children, and it feels like such a big step for them,” said a tearful Heather.

“But we’re really excited for them. They were born prematurely, and Evan had quite a lot of health problems, but they are both absolutely fine now."

Heather added, with a smile: "Evan is the most caring and loving boy, and Esme is also kind and caring - but also the sassiest girl you will ever meet.”