Scots toddler born with rare lung tumour to take part in charity fundraising walk in Glasgow

A toddler who was born with a lung tumour is set to take part in a fundraising walk in Glasgow two years after receiving life-saving surgery.

Aidan was born in 2024 with a displaced heart and left lung due to a large CPAM on his right lung.

The child, from East Kilbride, later developed hydrops fetalis, a condition that can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, and his chances of survival were described as “uncertain”.

A biopsy confirmed the tumour on his lung was benign, and surgeons launched a complex 15-hour operation to remove it, just two weeks after his birth.

Aidan's chances of survival were described as uncertain — Aidan’s chances of survival were described as uncertain Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity via Supplied

Gemma Andrews, Aidan’s mum, described the surgery as the “longest day of our lives”.

“We eventually got a phone call from the head surgeon that led the operation, who started the phone call with two words we will never forget: ‘We’re okay’,” she said.

“Without Glasgow Children’s Hospital, we would not be home with our precious Aidan. They saved our boy’s life. They gave us our family of four.”

Aidan, who is now one, recovered from his surgery and will be joining his family, and Kami Teddy, the official mascot of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, on the Teddy Trail in September.

Last year, over 700 participants took on the fundraising event, including Aidan’s family who raised over £4,000 by taking part.

Aidan's family are going to do the fundraising walk in September — Aidan’s family are going to do the fundraising walk in September Supplied

Gemma said she wants to give back to Crossbasket House, which gives families a place to stay while their child is seriously ill in Glasgow, after they lived there during Aidan’s surgery.

“We stayed at Crossbasket House from October to December, and they couldn’t be more accommodating,” she added.

“It gave us a space we could go for respite and was only a short walk away from Aidan’s bedside.”

The Teddy Trail raises funds for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Kirsten Watson, chief executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are very excited to be bringing back Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail this year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.

“We’re so grateful to Allied Vehicles for their sponsorship and to every walker who will join Kami Bear for his 25th birthday party.

“Every step will go towards raising vital funds for the children and young people in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.”

The charity walk, which attracts hundreds of participants, begins at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum and continues through the city.

Those taking part can choose between 5k and 10k options, with entertainment and activities along the route.