Ava was just three months old when her world, and her family’s, was turned upside down. A neurological condition was preventing her from breathing properly while she slept.
For parents, this is the kind of news that no one ever expects, and Ava’s mum, Ruth, felt a wave of terror she couldn’t shake.
Sleep, something most of us take for granted, became a battle for Ava. Her little body couldn’t breathe without help.
The BiPap machine, a constant companion that supported her breathing, was introduced into her life when she was just three months old.
The first few nights were a struggle. It wasn’t just about getting Ava to breathe, it was about getting used to a whole new way of life. Ruth remembers feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and exhausted.
But the respiratory team at the hospital was there every step of the way, offering support, guidance, and reassurance.
They showed Ruth how to navigate the complex world of medical equipment and helped her see that this machine was not an obstacle—it was a lifeline.
“It was difficult at first, but we had amazing support from the respiratory team, and it eventually became part of her routine,” Ruth said.
Slowly, the machine became a part of Ava’s nightly ritual. It was no longer something to fear—it was something that kept her safe.
But Ava’s story doesn’t end with the BiPap machine. It’s just the beginning of a much larger journey. Along with the machine came regular sleep studies, an essential part of monitoring Ava’s condition.
But for families like Ruth’s, getting to and from the hospital for these studies isn’t always easy. That’s where something extraordinary happens.
Ava’s sleep studies are carried out at home, thanks to the Home Sleep Study Service provided by the Respiratory and Sleep Physiology Department at Glasgow Children’s Hospital.
This service was a game-changer for Ruth and Ava. Instead of packing up and heading to the hospital every time a sleep study was needed, Ava could now have the tests done in the comfort of her own home.
“The team are amazing at organising it,” Ruth says. “The Volunteer Drivers from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity drop all of the equipment out to the house and collect it the next morning.”
For Ruth, this service was a lifeline. Ava spends a lot of time in the hospital, both as an inpatient and attending countless appointments.
Being able to do a sleep study at home meant one less trip to the hospital, one less stressful day in a sterile environment. It was a gift that Ruth never expected, but it made all the difference.
“It’s so brilliant that they can provide this service for families,” Ruth added. For families like hers, the simple act of having the equipment delivered to their doorstep and picked up the next morning made their life easier.
The stress of traveling, parking, and waiting in busy hospital corridors was removed.
But Ava’s story is not just about the battles she faces every night. It’s also about the unsung heroes who make her journey just a little bit easier.
One of these heroes is John, a Volunteer Driver with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
John, along with many other dedicated drivers, is part of the network that ensures families like Ava’s can access the healthcare they need without the added burden of travel.
John’s role may seem simple—drop off the equipment, pick it up the next morning—but the impact is immeasurable.
For families, it’s more than just a service. It’s a relief. It’s one less thing to worry about. It’s the difference between making life just a little bit more manageable and feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure of medical appointments.
Paul Burns, the Manager of the Respiratory & Sleep Physiology Department, agrees. “The volunteer drivers are a vital component of our home sleep study service at the children’s hospital.
Their work means that parents who struggle to travel to and from the hospital can have their child’s test equipment delivered to them and picked up, making the whole healthcare experience easier and more user-friendly for the families.”
The volunteer drivers, like John, do more than just deliver equipment. They help to make the healthcare experience more compassionate, more accessible, and ultimately more human.
They bring the hospital to families who can’t always make it to the hospital. And in doing so, they make a tremendous difference in the lives of young patients like Ava.
But Ava is not the only one who benefits from the volunteer drivers.
These dedicated men and women also support other vital services within the hospital, such as the Donor Milk Bank, Gastro and Cardiology Departments, travelling all over Scotland to help young patients in need.
For Ruth, the volunteer drivers are an essential part of the team. “We are so grateful to the volunteers who help support vital hospital services like the Home Sleep Study Service. Their work means so much to us,” she said.
As Ava continues her journey, there’s no doubt that she will face more challenges.
But with the support of the respiratory team, the volunteer drivers, and the dedicated staff at Glasgow Children’s Hospital, she’s able to live a life that is full of possibility.
She is not defined by her condition—she is defined by her courage, her family’s love, and the incredible community that surrounds her.
Ava’s story is one of resilience, but it’s also a story of the power of kindness. The simple act of delivering medical equipment to a family’s doorstep doesn’t seem like much, but for families like Ruth’s, it’s a game-changer. It’s the difference between a night of peace and another sleepless, stressful night spent in the hospital.
It’s people like John, the volunteer drivers, and the entire team at Glasgow Children’s Hospital that make these small miracles possible. They don’t just deliver equipment—they deliver hope.