A mum whose young son helped to launch The Archie Foundation in Tayside has been appointed as a trustee of the charity.
Evonne Boyd’s son Josh featured on posters for the charity’s fundraising campaign at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital in 2014.
Now aged 15, Josh was supported by The Archie Foundation from a young age, as he underwent a series of surgeries.
Evonne and her family have spent the past 10 years fundraising for Archie – which delivers vital support and services to babies, children and their families across Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands – and she is delighted to be able to give back to the charity as a trustee.
“My son has had a number of surgeries since birth and we became aware of the amazing work The Archie Foundation does when we were in Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells,” she said. “He was able to benefit from the toys and was supported by play assistants as he was going to theatre.
“Some young children may have a fear of going into theatre but the play equipment, things like iPads and the support of the play assistants is really crucial. The team, which is funded by Archie, made sure he knew what to expect and where he would get his ‘magic’ medicine.
“Josh had subsequent surgeries after that and the support ensured he felt comfortable going into hospital. We appreciated the help from Archie so much, we started fundraising to help other children in the same position as Josh.”
The Boyd family has fundraised for the charity, taking part in a Beards for Bairns campaign, joining fundraising walks, supporting the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail art project and running a fun day for youngsters, organised by Evonne’s parents.
Evonne Boyd, trustee at The Archie Foundation
Josh was chosen to star in the poster campaign for Archie after being nominated by nurses and his orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Donald Campbell.
“He’s quite cheeky so the nurses and Mr Campbell thought he might enjoy being part of the campaign! It was a huge thing for us and he was so excited to be part of a major fundraising drive,” said Evonne.
“Josh was back in hospital in February this year and got to experience the fantastic newly refurbished children’s theatre suite at Ninewells. We can directly see the impact that Archie has so I’m delighted to be a trustee to give something back. It will be hugely rewarding.”
Evonne hopes to draw on her experience from her work as head of operations for the East of Scotland for Skills Development Scotland, providing strategic leadership and insight alongside the team of trustees.
“Having been a parent, sitting in the parents’ room appreciating things like the beautiful artwork which helps to take your mind off the surgery, I also hope to be able to raise awareness of the services The Archie Foundation provides to families. I can share information and referral routes with colleagues and remind people that this fantastic support is there, including the child bereavement service.
“We also want to let people know about the financial support that’s available to any families who need it. We were in the fortunate position not to have to worry about things like bus fares, parking fees or not being paid for taking time off work. As a charity we can remove some of that financial hardship for people while helping to advance the health outcomes for young people.”
Archie’s vision is that all children across Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and Islands will have equal access to world-class healthcare and bereavement support, delivered in a child-appropriate environment and manner.
Carol Munro, chair of the board of trustees at The Archie Foundation, welcomed Evonne to the board of trustees.
“As the parent of a child who has directly benefited from our work in Tayside, we are so pleased to welcome Evonne as a trustee of The Archie Foundation. Her personal experience, as well as her professional network, will be invaluable as we strive to reach even more families and provide support when their child is in hospital or they have lost a loved one and they need our help most.”
For more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation, visit www.archie.org/getsupport/.