Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity To Host It’s First Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity mascot, Kami Bear, is taking over the charity’s annual sponsored walk to host the first Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail in Glasgow on 14^th September.

The unique event invites individuals, families and friends to lace up their walking shoes, bring along their favourite teddy bear, and join in on a day filled with fun, teddies, and community spirit – all whilst raising money for Scotland’s busiest children’s hospital.

Partakers will be joined by patients at The Royal Hospital for Children, including Millie, who will be leading the walk with Kami Bear, alongside her mum and dad and her teddy bear, Maisie.

Millie was delivered at 26 weeks via emergency C-section due to severe ill maternal health caused by Covid. Her mum (Steph) was put into a medically induced coma and didn’t get to meet her daughter until five days after she was born. Millie spent the first 11 weeks of her life in neonatal intensive care and had to spend her first ever Christmas in hospital. Thanks to funding provided by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, families are able to stay connected to their babies in NICU via a secure video-messaging service, which became a lifeline to Millie’s parents. Millie still attends regular hospital appointments to treat her chronic lung disease, but she doesn’t let her health challenges stop her, and she is so excited to lead out Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail this year. 

Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K walk through the scenic routes of Glasgow City Centre. Starting from the Riverside Museum at 10am on 14^th September, the walk with Kami Bear offers a chance to explore Glasgow’s beautiful surroundings, raise money for a good cause, all while being accompanied by a hug of teddies. Opportunities to purchase bear wear during the walk, including a range of knitted bear ears and mitts will also be available, along with a Kami Bear teddy.

Both walking routes are fully accessible, and the trail is intended for people of all ages and abilities. Registration is £10 for adults, with all children aged 16 and under can join for free. 

On Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th August, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will be visiting Buchanan Galleries to host a promotional event for Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail.

Visitors to the centre during the weekend can register for the charity walk and find out more about Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and its vital work supporting brave young patients at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital. Kami Bear will also be making an appearance on Saturday 24^th, for photo opportunities.

Participants in Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail will also be able to collect their trail pack at Buchanan Galleries, which includes additional information about the sponsored walk, and what to expect.

William McGowan, Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted to welcome our fantastic team of walkers to Buchanan Galleries this weekend to collect their trail packs, and to encourage other visitors to join us at Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail. Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is the proud charity partner of Buchanan Galleries, and we are very grateful for their help promoting this year’s event. Make sure to join our own Kami Bear on his Teddy Trail across Glasgow this September and help raise money for the babies and young people treated at Glasgow children’s hospital.”

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries, said: “We’re proud to continue to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and provide a platform for the charity to promote their fundraising efforts. The event at Buchanan Galleries this weekend offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to find out more about our charity partner and the admirable work they do for the children of Glasgow, as well as sign up to their Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail. Whether you’re an avid walker or just looking for a fun day out, we encourage everyone to join Kami Bear as he takes to the streets in September, in support of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and make a real difference to children’s lives.” 

Funds raised from Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail will directly support The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, providing life-changing projects, services, and medical equipment for children with serious illnesses and their families. For over 20 years, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has tirelessly supported young patients, their families and the NHS heroes who care for them with donations from the public.

Participants can register for Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail at Buchanan Galleries on Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th August. For more information, visit: https://buchanangalleries.co.uk/ or https://www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org/