Young patients at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital were all smiles as players from Aberdeen Football Club’s women’s team paid a special visit to children supported by The Archie Foundation.
The players took part in a special ‘Fit Friday’ physiotherapy session, where they joined a group of young patients for a rehabilitation session led by NHS Grampian's paediatric physiotherapy team.
The squad members helped encourage the children through their physio exercises, posed for photos, signed footballs and, of course, shared some top football tips along the way.
Among the AFC Women players were defender Abi Tobin, goalkeeper Anna Prawer, forward Alex Clarke, forward Bridget Galloway and defender Emma Ilijoski.
And the visit was particularly emotional as the footballers were able to watch young patient Lily Omand (11) ring the bell to signal the end of her treatment for cancer – before joining in with the session.
During her treatment, Lily attended some of the very first Fit Friday sessions when they began so didn’t want to miss out on meeting the players.
Lily said: “When I was in hospital it was nice every Friday to do Fit Friday. It was good doing games and I also made new friends. We did bowling, tennis and an obstacle course. It helped to make me fit and strong. My favourite activity was bowling and I learnt new games.
“It was amazing when the AFC Women football players came along and joined us. It was great to play football with them.”
Lily’s carer Sally Wilson said: “The Fit Friday sessions brought great relief to be off the ward, to meet other children and families. It was a way to motivate Lily to stay active to the best she could be, even when using a wheelchair.
“Even when visiting as an outpatient we could continue joining in. Fit Friday became an integral part of our week which we all looked forward to. Keeping active and regaining strength was important but being able to do this in such a fun way was so beneficial to Lily’s emotional wellbeing. We are very grateful for all they did for us.”
AFC is a frequent supporter of the charity, which helps babies, children and families during a hospital stay or following a bereavement.
Nathan Reid, regional fundraising officer at The Archie Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Dons women’s team for taking the time out of their busy schedules to get involved with Fit Friday. A stay in hospital or attending an appointment can be a difficult time so we work hard with our NHS colleagues to make the experience a little easier – and the smiles on everyone’s faces say it all!”
This visit follows on from the men’s first team touring the wards in December as part of the charity’s annual Advent Calendar Campaign, where treats, experiences and activities are arranged for the children in the 24 days leading up to Christmas.
Nathan continued: “Visits like these help lift spirits and create positive memories during what can be a frightening time for young patients and their families. Physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation following an injury or operation and it was great to hear the footballers share their own experiences.”
Emma Ilijoski from the AFC women’s team said it was a privilege to meet the patients.
“We loved having the chance to visit the children’s hospital and join in with the physio session,” she said. “We know only too well the benefits of physiotherapy as football players, whether that’s injury prevention, a faster recovery or improved mobility.
“It was emotional for us to watch Lily ring the bell and so inspiring to hear the young people’s stories of their own recovery - and share some chat about football too!”
Caroline Clark, chief nurse for combined child health across NHS Grampian, added: “The days can be very long for our young patients; visits such as this bring fun and distraction. We have a longstanding relationship with Aberdeen FC and I am delighted the women's team have been able to spend time with the children and young people we care for.”
The Archie Foundation, which recently celebrated its 25th year of making a difference, has a vision to ensure all children in the regions in which it operates have equal access to world-class healthcare and bereavement support, delivered in a manner suitable for the child.
The charity supports families from its hubs across North Scotland, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Elgin and Inverness.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.