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Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity

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Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity

ECHC believes no child should face hospital alone. And every day, they inspire us to make those visits as positive as possible. With your help, we can.
(451)

No child should face hospital alone. ❤️

Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity supports the life-changing work of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. Every single day, 500 seriously ill children and their families face a potentially life-changing hospital visit.

12/08/2025

"Our daughter Lucy had been complaining of sore ankles and feet. Being 9 and super active, we thought it might be growing pains or the result of all the football, swimming, and gymnastics she does.

"But as the stiffness and pain continued, we went to our GP. We were referred to the physio team, who did an MRI. It revealed inflammation in multiple areas, and she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

"It’s been a lot for her to take in. She now needs weekly injections for at least two years. Lucy was extremely anxious at the beginning, but very quickly has been incredibly brave.

"The first few weeks were a blur of appointments. Now, things have now settled into a routine and her dad has even learned to give her injections at home.

"We discovered ECHC's Hub entirely by chance. We were early for Lucy’s MRI appointment when a kind nurse suggested we pop in to relax and play before the scan.

"The team made us feel so welcome - offering juice, tea, and coffee to us and Lucy’s siblings too. Lucy had an amazing time playing outside with the basketball and football games, but her absolute favourite was the Avocado Smash game.

"A huge highlight for Lucy - who is football-daft and a massive Hibs fan - was getting to meet Joe Newell, Hibernian Football Club captain and ECHC volunteer. His kindness, encouragement, and honesty gave her new confidence about her injections and reminded her that JIA doesn’t have to stop her doing what she loves.

"The support from the Hub has meant the world. Lucy left that day feeling more like herself - hopeful, reassured, and smiling again.

"We want to say a huge thank you to the ECHC team for the generosity, patience, and warmth they’ve shown. It’s made a real difference to our family." - Kerry, Lucy's mum ❤️

08/08/2025

Coz we’ll be standing at the station, in need of a donation in the rain… 🎵🎶

Heading to Oasis today? We’re bucket collecting at Waverley Station with Imperial Scottish Garrison to help seriously ill children - and yes we did get red bucket hats for the occasion!

Drop a coin, tap to donate and be a wonderwall for children and families in hospital. ❤️🌟

(That’s definitely maybe enough Oasis puns for one post, right?!)

07/08/2025

A summer highlight as always! 🏉❤️

Our friends at Edinburgh Rugby stopped by yesterday to lift the spirits of some young patients spending their summer holidays in hospital.

There were lots of laughs, high-fives, and some seriously competitive sports games (we’re still not sure who won… but it wasn’t the pros 👀).

A massive thank you to Edinburgh Rugby for their amazing continued support. It's always so wonderful to have you! 🙌

17/07/2025

We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of Luca’s Ice Cream Family Day at Musselburgh Racecourse next Tuesday and so grateful for this amazing support!

An enormous thank you to the team for helping children facing tough hospital stays like Mason. Inspirational stories like his are exactly why we do what we do. ❤️

10/07/2025

We came, we kicked, we conquered (again! 😉⚽)

A fantastic day of goals galore, top tackles and terrific teamwork as the ECHC Allstars took on our charity partner Edinburgh Airport for a gripping fundraising footie match!

The Airport team certainly didn’t make it easy, but with the help of NHS Lothian staff from estates, security, fire, portering, pharmacy and nursing, ECHC Allstars took home the win for the second year running. 🏆 🙌

More importantly, the match has raised over £2877 (with some funds still to be counted!) to help seriously ill children and their families - a phenomenal total.

Enormous thanks to the Edinburgh Airport team for organising (and for not requesting a final VAR check!) ❤️

08/07/2025

Sally was just 8 months old when her family noticed she was reacting to food during weaning. After tests at the children’s hospital, she was diagnosed with multiple severe allergies.

In 2023, things escalated when Sally, then aged two, was admitted to the high dependency unit with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“We were told we got to hospital in the nick of time. This was really difficult for us to process and whilst it was a relief she got the treatment she needed, it weighed heavily on my mind. If I had decided to hold off, she would have died.

"Hospital life was a huge adjustment. With no extended family in Edinburgh, it was hard to cope at first. We felt anxious and vulnerable - trying to stay strong for Sally while also figuring out things like clean clothes, food, and time off work.

“ECHC played a huge part. When Sally was on oxygen, she couldn’t leave her bed. Dancer Christina came around to dance with her with scarves so she could join in. It was the worst week of our lives. But for Sally, it ended up feeling like a holiday because of all the amazing things the charity team did with her.

“The nurses called her allergy test drops ‘magic raindrops.’ The doctor always checked her dolly’s chest before checking hers. Now, appointments always end with a trip to ECHC's Hub. It’s a struggle to get her to leave!"

Last month, Sally decided to take on a new challenge: the 1K Edinburgh Marathon Festival fun run with a friend from nursery, raising an incredible amount to help other young patients.

“One the day, she ran the distance without stopping. She was giving people high fives along the way and was so proud of her special red T-shirt. She knew she was running to help other children who are in hospital - just like she was.” ❤️

Feeling inspired by Sally's run? Join Team ECHC at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026! There are races for all ages and stages: https://buff.ly/CrSOxMX

03/07/2025

Dancing crocs at the ready! It's time for a children's hospital silent disco 🎧 🕺

Big thank you to Jojo’s Parties for turning up the fun and bringing the boogie to the wards.

One mum told us her little boy hadn't wanted to stand today - but as soon as he got the headphones on, he got straight up out of his chair to join in the dancing! ❤️

30/06/2025

✨ HUGE NEWS!! ✨

ON 15th JULY , we’ll be opening a brand-new SCRAN CAFÉ at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People . 💛

This is our SECOND CAFÉ and a huge step for Scran and we’re beyond proud of the incredible young people who will bring it to life.

This space will be POWERED BY YOUNG PEOPLE, creating real jobs and Scransitions work placements. 🙌

And it’s a space for everyone:
💛 A quiet spot for families to recharge
💛 A proper break for hospital staff
💛 A welcoming place built on community, support and purpose

We can't wait to open our doors and share this next chapter with you!

Come say hello, grab a cuppa, and be part of something special. ☕💬

And a massive thanks to for making this possible through the Ignite Fund and the support from and .

05/06/2025

Looking for fulfillment, inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose? That's exactly what Hibs FC Captain Joe Newell was seeking this time last year, when he contacted ECHC about volunteering at the children’s hospital.

Since then, Joe’s weekly visits – offering support both in our Hub and on the wards - have given him a fresh outlook, helping him cope with his toughest year yet at the Easter Road club.

Joe says: “At times, football can feel like the end of the world – but it’s not, it’s just a game. Every time I arrive at the hospital, it puts everything into perspective.

“It’s incredibly hard to hear some of the children’s and family’s stories. But it’s also a reminder that you can’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders over a game of football. These kids are facing challenges far greater than anything I encounter on the pitch.”

Joe first felt inspired to get involved with our charity after a Christmas visit to the hospital with his teammates. The experience stayed with him.

He adds: “When we visited in December, I didn’t want to leave. You see the impact being there can have on these kids. It’s a privilege to witness their incredible courage and play a small part in helping them through their most difficult days.

“It’s not just about the children; it’s about their families too. Parents and carers often just need a break from being on the ward and a bit of a breather. The Hub offers them a space to have a coffee and some time out.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realise how much influence we can have through sport. We’re in a unique and privileged position, and I’m a big believer in using that to help others whenever you can.”

This Volunteers' Week, we wanted to say thank you to all of our incredible volunteers. You are at the heart of ECHC, and we couldn't do what we do without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️

Want to begin your own volunteer journey? See what volunteering positions we have available ➡️ https://buff.ly/7wRExuQ

29/05/2025

Meet five-year-old Frankie, who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Frankie’s condition has meant countless hospital stays, many surgeries in five years, and a steep learning curve for his mum.

Mum Hope shares, “Right from the beginning, ECHC was by my side. The team gave me emergency clothes, helped with finding financial support, and showed me where to get help from social workers and other charities. I was completely lost, but they helped take so much stress off my shoulders.

"Frankie is now five years old. He’s already had four shunt surgeries and lives with multiple complex health issues. We’ve been in and out of hospital for years, sometimes due to shunt infections, sometimes other complications. We were just here six weeks ago, and now we’re back. I think the longest we've gone without a hospital visit is four months.

“When Frankie was a baby, he spent over a week just lying there and not responding. Then Rhys came in and played music for him. Suddenly, he sat up and started clapping along! It was the first moment we felt a shift. We’ll never forget it.

“Since then, music has become one of Frankie’s favourite things when in hospital. He also painted pebbles for the Edinburgh Zoo’s penguins. And when the Therapet visited, he was buzzing. That’s what makes hospital feel less scary - these little moments that break up the day and bring so many smiles. What was once terrifying has now become manageable.

“At the start, I was so anxious. I was scared to even leave the hospital room. But now, it feels like a second home. Frankie isn’t afraid of the hospital. He knows it’s not at all scary - there are people who make it fun, and spaces like the Hub where he can just be a kid.

“You get used to it. The routines, the medications - it becomes second nature. People ask me how I stay so calm. Honestly? You have to. You crack on. It’s not as scary as people think. And there are more high points than low ones.

"My advice to other parents? Don’t be scared. Don’t put pressure on yourself to know everything. I knew nothing when Frankie was born, and look where we are now. There’s so much support out there. You are not alone.” ❤️

26/05/2025

What a Sunday! 🌬️🏃

To every unstoppable runner who laced up, faced down the wild winds, and powered through to the finish at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this weekend - we are in awe. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for running to support children and families going through tough, life-changing hospital stays. Your strong legs - and even stronger hearts - are making a huge difference. 💗

A special thank you to the incredible Rock Choir for spending your Sunday cheering on runners. Your amazing voices and infectious energy kept spirits high!

Didn’t make it to EMF this year? No worries - EMF 2026 entries are already open! You can sign up by following this link ➡️ https://buff.ly/UmKFNzc

We’ll be there, cheering louder than ever. Let’s do it all again soon - see you at the start line! ❤️

23/05/2025

Meet super Simeon - a student nurse on Dunvegan ward who's about to swap his scrubs for running shoes to conquer the Edinburgh Marathon this weekend! 🏃👏

Between studying and hospital shifts, Simeon has been training hard to go the extra mile for seriously ill children and their families.

He says, "I'm running for ECHC because after being on placements at the children's hospital for over two years, I've seen firsthand how they brighten and make days better for young people and their families.

"The amount of services they provide is astonishing - from arts and activities to youth work, and often just a listening ear for a worried parent. They deserve as much support as possible to keep funding the great work they do!

"As someone who is able to run, I’m privileged to be in a position that many are not and I wanted to do something to give back. It will be a physical and mental battle through the 42.2km but I’ll do every step for this amazing cause!"❤️

Show your support for superstar Simeon here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/simeon-greenaway-robbins-1736013512071

HUGE good luck and best wishes to everyone running the Edinburgh Marathon Festival for children and their families in hospital this weekend! You are all ECHC superstars! 🌟

Address

RHCYP & DCN Building, 50 Little France Crescent
Edinburgh
EH164TJ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441316684949

Website

http://www.echcharity.org/

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