05 Aug 2026
A Scottish toddler is set to take part in Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s annual sponsored walk this September – after receiving life-saving surgery two weeks after being born.
Aidan was born in 2024 with a large CPAM on his right lung that filled most of his chest cavity, displacing his heart and left lung. He later developed hydrops fetalis, leaving his chances of survival uncertain. A biopsy confirmed the tumour on his lung was benign and surgeons were able to perform a complex 15-hour operation to remove it.
“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’,” said Gemma Andrews, Aidan’s mum.
“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.”
Gemma and her partner Scott are now giving back to the charity by participating in this year’s Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, after accessing charity-funded services like Crossbasket House.
“We stayed at Crossbasket House from October to December, and they couldn’t be more accommodating,” added Gemma, from East Kilbride. “It gave us a space we could go for respite and was only a short walk away from Aidan’s bedside.”
Last year, over 700 participants took on the Teddy Trail and raised vital funds for Crossbasket House, including Aidan’s family who raised over £4,000 by taking part.
Kami Bear is paw-sitively brimming with excitement for his big 25th birthday bash at this year's Teddy Trail on September 5th.
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Bringing together patients, families, and NHS staff, Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail will start at the Riverside Museum before winding through the streets of Glasgow. Walkers can choose between the 5k and 10k routes, with pit stops packed full of fun and games to enjoy along the way!
“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!” said Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. “Every step will go towards raising vital funds for the children and young people in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.”
Entry is £10 per adult, while children go free. For more information and to sign up for Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail, please visit: https://www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org/support-us/events/800-kami-bears-teddy-trail-2026
