A message from Yiannis' Family!

Yiannis was born on the 30th of August 2011 and his endless energy and constant smile brought immeasurable joy to our family. He loved his brother above everything else and above all, he enjoyed playing tricks on people, especially his grannies, always followed by the cheekiest of smiles.

In 2014, a brain tumour was suspected by his uncle and auntie who happen to be doctors and because of their intervention we got to spend three more incredible years with our wonderful little man before he passed away.

The first operation Yiannis had, left him with severe physical disabilities, including a tracheostomy. He required round the clock care, but that never stopped him from enjoying every minute of his short life and carried on being as cheeky as he always was. The carers that looked after him, especially Angie, were now the constant target of his incredible imagination. Everyone in Ward 1 of The Royal Hospital for Sick Children knew Yiannis and looked after him with so much kindness and love.

During his long spells in hospital, Yiannis benefitted from a variety of items, spending his time learning and having fun. Sensory equipment, toys, physiotherapy equipment and various other items were readily available for him to use. What we did not realise at the time, is that most of these items are supplied by the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity and would not have been there without their support and the generosity of the community that supports the hospital. Even though Yiannis may no longer be with us, we see it as our duty to help the charity provide the wonderful things that make life a little easier for every baby, child and young person that has to spend time in hospital, so they are a child first, patient second.

Although the Edinburgh Children's Hospital has a new home, the people that carry the memories of Yiannis are still trying their best to help every child that needs their care. We are grateful for that and any money raised in his memory will go to providing little comforts for children, young people and staff. Furniture for consulting rooms, toys, sensory equipment, physio equipment are just some examples of things that make the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People a much more inviting place than it otherwise would have been. We hope to continue providing these items for many years to come and any contribution to help us do that is very much appreciated.