AN Edinburgh mum-of-three who has raised more than £8,000 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation has organised yet another fundraising event next weekend.
Gilly Herbert, of Corstorphine, is hosting a Baby Blossom Fair at St Anne’s Church Hall, Kaimes Road, Corstorphine with the help of fellow mum Paula Smith, in aid of Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
The fair will take place on Saturday September 22 from 10am to 1pm, and will offer quality new and nearly new baby and children’s items, as well as greetings cards Phoenix Cards, home baking, and tea and coffee. Tumble Tots West – a physical play programme for children – will also be in attendance.
Sophia, now aged four, has been attending the hospital since 2008, and inspired Gilly to raise funds. She has undergone a number of scheduled grommets – a tiny plastic tube which is inserted into the ear drum to release pressure following the build-up of wax. Sophia may also need operations in the future to remove her tonsils and adenoids.
Gilly said: “We are very grateful to the Sick Kids Hospital for helping Sophia, and we have continued to raise money as our way of saying thanks.
“The Baby Blossom Fair will be a good way of raising funds to improve the facilities available at the hospital and we look forward to welcoming people to the fair on September 22.
“We would also like to encourage other parents and families across Edinburgh to host their own Baby Blossom Fair, in honour of the hospital, as it is a great way of meeting new friends and putting all unwanted baby items to good use.”
Paula’s daughter Ruby, who is four-years-old, has also received care at the hospital over the years.
Last year Gilly, along with a group of parents and children, some of which attended the hospital, created the Friends and Family Cookbook, which featured favourite recipes for kids, as well as beautiful drawings by the children. The cash boost raised by the group will go towards extra comforts for children and families receiving treatment at the hospital, equipment and investment outwith NHS provisions.
Rachel McKenzie, community fundraising manager of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “Gilly’s dedication to raising funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation has been greatly appreciated by everyone at the hospital, from the children and their parents, to the doctors and nurses.
“The Baby Blossom Fair is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and not only raise funds, but also raise awareness of the Foundation.
“The money raised from the fair will enable us to purchase state-of-the-art surgical equipment, as well as enhance our playrooms and the Drop In Centre, which plays a pivotal role in care for the children.”
“If anyone reading this in interested in organising their own Baby Blossom Fair in support of Sick Kids I would ask them to get in touch with me on 0131 668 4949.”
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