Amazing Grace is Home for Christmas!

After a long journey, Grace is finally home for Christmas! Hear from her mum, Vicki, as she shares how Crossbasket House has helped support their family during Grace's many hospital admissions.

Grace’s Hospital Journey

“Grace’s life has been a series of hospital visits. Born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (essentially half a heart), she’s faced challenges from day one.”

"There was a point when we were told she might not make it through the night, but Grace’s fighting spirit shone through, even as a baby.”

“Just before she was four months old, we finally brought her home after her first heart surgery. Before her first birthday, she had already undergone two heart surgeries.”

“In October 2024, we returned to the hospital for a scheduled heart surgery. Following the procedure, Grace suffered a stroke."

"Our world was turned upside down. We were warned that, if she survived, the little girl we brought into the hospital might not be the same one we’d bring home.”

“The stroke affected the left side of her brain, which in turn impacted the right side of her body. She became non-verbal, and the entire right side of her body was immobile. Doctors said she might regain some movement, but there was a possibility she’d need a wheelchair for life.”

“Once Grace’s cardiac care was stable, we moved to Ward 3A for rehabilitation. Progress was slow but steady. Movement returned to her leg first, while her arm took a little longer. Her voice returned too, thanks to the exceptional support from the hospital’s speech and language therapy (SALT) team.”

“Her speech continues to improve, though she’s currently able to string together about 6 or 7 words at a time. It’s been a gradual process, but we’re celebrating every milestone.”

“Thanks to the amazing physiotherapy team, she’s made amazing progress. She’s now able to move her arm over her head and even walk unaided!”

“She’s our wee Christmas miracle!"

vicki, grace's mum

Crossbasket House: A Home Away From Home

“When Grace was first born, we stayed at Crossbasket House for three months."

"Over the last five years, we’ve had to rely on their support multiple times. The staff feel like family now. They’re always ready to chat and offer support when it’s most needed.”

“The rooms are lovely, but I’ve got to mention the showers! After 12 hours at the hospital, coming back to one of those showers felt like a luxury. It’s something so small, but it’s moments like that which keep you going.”

“The kitchen areas were a lifesaver. Being able to cook a proper meal rather than rely on microwave dinners made a world of difference."

"There’s also a space to relax on comfy couches, where you meet other families and form friendships that last a lifetime.”

“In December, the House was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and Grace was honoured to be asked to switch-on the House Christmas tree lights!”

“The décor is warm and welcoming, and the bedrooms are incredibly comfortable — it’s truly a home away from home."

Looking Ahead

“We’ll be back at the hospital in January to complete Grace’s rehabilitation. But for now, we’re cherishing every moment at home during Christmas and New Year."

"I’ll forever be in debt to Crossbasket House and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for keeping us close to Grace during the toughest times."