News
Gers visit Robin House Children’s Hospice
Tue 23rd October 2018
Children living with life-shortening conditions received a special visit from Rangers FC players on Friday (19 October), thanks to a request from one young teddy bear.
James Tavernier and Connor Goldson took time out to visit the Robin House Children’s Hospice to meet four-year-old Rangers fan, Kenzie, along with other families who are currently receiving support.
Kenzie lives with a very rare, undiagnosed condition classified as Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson Syndrome, which severely impacts his immune and neurological systems.
The Light Blues duo spent time playing football, taking selfies and signing items for the group, after Kenzie’s father, Kevin, wrote a letter to the Rangers Charity Foundation.
Kevin said: “Today has been incredible. It makes me happy to see Kenzie happy, and he’s been smiling from the minute James and Connor came in – the way they interacted with him was amazing.
“With Kenzie’s symptoms, we don’t know what the future holds, so it’s been really good to have the players involved today. We couldn’t have asked for a better day!”
Robin House, in Balloch, is part of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS – and acts as a ‘home from home’ for families.
It has a range of facilities including a hydro pool, art room, den and large accessible garden and lots of areas for relaxing and fun. The House also offers quiet areas for reflection, bereavement support and care.
Rangers Captain, James Tavernier, said: “We were really pleased to come and see the children today and help to put a smile on their faces,
as well as meet their families and show our support.
“Kenzie was amazing – he beat us at everything we played and took some great penalties! It’s been great spending time with him and everyone at Robin House today.”
Alison Ringrose, Activities Facilitator at Robin House, said: “Connor and James brought so much joy to Robin House and we’re so grateful that they came and spent time with the families we care for.
“Kenzie gave the players a special tour of the hospice, showing them all his favourite places and even beat them both at a game of foosball – creating precious memories that Kenzie and his family will cherish.
“Three children die every week in Scotland of a life-shortening condition, and at present, we’re only reaching one of those families. The awareness raised by our amazing supporters, such as Rangers Charity Foundation, help us on our mission to reach and support every single baby, child and young person who needs us.”
CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. The national charity offers palliative care and respite for the whole family via its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. CHAS also offers at home services via CHAS at Home as well as services in hospitals across all of Scotland.
To find out more information about CHAS and Robin House, visit: www.chas.org.uk
