An Angus toddler who underwent life-saving surgery at birth is joining his parents to thank those that allowed his mum and dad to be at his side.
Rhys Sim, from Montrose, had to go through an emergency procedure to repair his oesophagus after staff at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, identified a problem shortly after he was born.
He was rushed to Edinburgh to prepare for his operation where his mum and dad, Louise and Robert, were given accommodation funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation to allow them to be near their child.
Now, 16 months old and fighting fit, Rhys is set to join his parents on the 10th Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair on Saturday to help raise funds for the organisation.
Accountant Louise, 31, said: “I was really worried about Rhys and just wanted to be with him, holding his little hand when he went through surgery. I hadn’t long given birth when I persuaded the medical team in Dundee to discharge me.
“Rhys’s operation took place the following day. Our accommodation was completely taken care of, which was great as our minds were full of worry about our little boy.
“The charity provides so much support for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at the hospital. This small comfort made the world of difference to us.”
Rhys and his parents will be joining a mixed bunch of fancy-dressed participants on the toddle, including Disney legends Minnie and Mickey Mouse and Star Wars characters.
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation was set up in 1992 to support the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
The hospital receives more than 100,000 children through its doors each year from all over the east of Scotland and assists in the provision of a wide variety of extra comforts, which make time in hospital better for children.
These include more child and family-friendly facilities, buying extra medical equipment and support for sick children who are cared for in the community as well as providing funding for training and research.
“Rhys’s operation was successful because of the fantastic surgeons and staff at the hospital but also because of the state-of-the-art keyhole surgery the foundation had previously purchased,” added Louise.
“Funds from the charity are so imperative to supporting families like ours and we will be eternally grateful.
“Taking part in the teddy toddle is our small way of giving back and showing our thanks for the priceless help we were offered in our time of need.”
The Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair will take place at Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh, from noon to 4pm.
For updates on what will be happening on the day, visit the charity’s Facebook page.