The Kilt Walk has always been on my list of 40 things to do before I turn 40 however, I never imagined when I wrote that list that I'd be doing it to raise money for a service which became so crucial during the most difficult time for our family in 2024.

During our routine 20 week scan with our littlest Duncan in spring 2024 it was picked up that he may have a small issue and we were referred to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) for a follow up. From that moment on the rest of our pregnancy seemed to be filled with endless scans, countless appointments, a formal diagnosis, a lot of worry and weeks of preparation for Corran's early arrival.

When we left our home during the night on Wednesday 11th September our boys were sound asleep and in the belief that we were going for an early scan that day but they'd see us after school. We however, knew that without a few hours Corran would be born and swiftly taken from us to the neonatal unit where he would have to remain for the foreseeable. I knew that I wouldn't see our home again for at least a week and a half which also meant I wouldn't see very much of our bigger boys and it felt very overwhelming, unfair and heartbreaking whilst we also felt so excited at finally having Corran in our arms.

Looking back now I think we were on autopilot, trying to make sure all four of our boys were ok with meals prepped, school uniforms ironed and a very long list of instructions for Malcolm to follow in my absence! After two sleepless nights spent in a different part of the hospital it was time to leave but the thought of going home without our baby was unimaginable. The staff within the intensive care unit suggested I move to Ronald McDonald House (now Crossbasket House) which they could put a referral into on my behalf. It meant I was next door to the hospital and could be with Corran as much as possible and whilst this still felt too far away I was asked if I'd at least go and see it. From the moment I walked into Crossbasket House I was made to feel so incredibly welcome and the kindness offered made an extremely difficult time easier.

Crossbasket House gives families a place to stay while their child is seriously ill in hospital in Glasgow. Children come from all over Scotland and further afield to receive treatment at the children's hospital in Glasgow. For the next week it was a total haven to escape the beeping of machines, the difficult conversations with professionals, operations and the constant noise of such a busy hospital. It offered safety, sleep, a place to cry, space to video call the boys before school and at bedtime and somewhere to simply catch my breath. The boys were able to visit me and use their amazing facilities and I was able to cook my own meals and sit and talk with other parents battling away to cope with their own children's illnesses.

Over those the ten long days when it felt like I was choosing between my children, it became everything to have that space to pull myself together and focus on the end result.

I will forever be in their debt and no amount of thank you will ever be enough for the help they gave our family. Sadly though, thank you doesn't pay the bills so myself and Malcolm along with our incredibly supportive friends Alan, Lauren and Naomi are going to attempt the Kilt Walk to raise some much needed funds!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any amount you can spare, it means a lot to us to have your support and it means so incredibly much to all of the families who have experienced Crossbasket House.