A couple from Glasgow who suffered the loss of two babies has raised over £10,000 for the hospital that looked after them in their times of need.
Gary and Sally McBride have six children with eldest daughter Hannah, now 22, born at 24 weeks, Heather, 21, 13-year-old Evan arriving at 36 weeks, and Jackson, 11, being born at 30 weeks.
Devastatingly their daughter Holly and son Jamie both passed away due to complications of prematurity, reports the Daily Record.
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Gary and Sally lost baby Holly on November 18, 2010. Around ten-and-a-half years later, the couple welcomed son Jamie, who weighed just 1lb 7oz. The newborn fought bravely for seven weeks, but sadly died on May 9, 2021.
Mum Sally said: "After losing Holly in the same way, it was awful to have to experience this tragedy again with Jamie. We are utterly devastated but still so very grateful for the care and compassion we received in Glasgow's Neonatal Unit."
Since losing their two youngsters, the couple has dedicated much of their time to raising money to help other families going through similar heartbreak. Sally said: "Every year, our family now walks the Kiltwalk in both Holly and Jamie’s memory as Holly’s Hikers/Jamie’s Jaunters."
The Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass participation walking fundraiser, with Holly's Hikers/Jamie's Jaunters raising an incredible £10,409 for the Neonatal Unit in Glasgow Children's Hospital at last year's event.
The team also received support from Knightswood-based fitness group Born To Be Alive with some members joining the family on the walk while others created a special pit stop, complete with DJ, music, drinks, and snacks
Sally said: "Without this amazing team I’m not sure if I could have faced the world yet. Many of the team sponsored us and shared our story. They have helped us so much!'
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity supports bereaved parents like Sally and Gary, who have to learn to cope with the pain of losing a child. Sally described the charity as "amazing" and hailed the staff on the neonatal unit for all their incredible work.
She said: "Even though we suffered terrible loss, we were looked after. They do wonderful work and save so many tiny babies.
"The work they do is so amazing, it actually inspired me to work for the NHS myself so I am currently studying at Glasgow Caledonian University to become a paramedic."
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