Children deserve the best, says Carol Smillie

CAROL SMILLIE is one of the busiest women on British television. Apart from starring in Strictly Come Dancing and other well-known shows, she’s written a book and is involved in various charity causes. Now the mother-of-three has decided to front our campaign. Wonderful idea “Helping Scotland’s children’s hospitals to raise money is a wonderful idea, because it could benefit so many children across the country who are, tragically, suffering every day,” she says. “My own children, thankfully, are growing up fit and healthy.

Carol — This is a unique appeal.

I can only imagine the pain and anguish of those parents whose youngsters need the highly specialised long-term treatments our children’s hospitals provide. “Our health service is amazing and thanks to the dedication of staff along with well run and highly equipped wards, the vast majority of these young patients will survive.  “However, advances in modern medicine are happening every day. And I think Scotland’s children deserve the very best equipment money can buy. That’s why this appeal is so important.” Supporter Carol has been a supporter of Yorkhill Hospital for many years, taking part in fund-raising events and publicising the great work carried out there. However, this is the first time she’s become involved in a national campaign — and she’s delighted. “What makes this appeal unique is that Scotland as a whole will gain. Many children, despite the very best efforts of all the staff, find being in hospital a miserable experience. They miss being at home, they miss their families, they even miss school and this can result in a child becoming withdrawn, non-communicative and depressed. “If, thanks to the money you raise, surgeons can treat more children faster, then there’ll be a shortening of waiting lists and children will be able to spend less time in hospital. This can only be a good thing for them and their families. “But while enhancing and developing the care of sick children today, we must always look to the children of tomorrow. Sadly, there are some who have conditions for which there is still no cure or ones which treatment will only control, not cure. “We must ensure research and development is properly funded and helps advance medical science.  “That’s why I’m pleased some of the money raised by Sunday Post readers will go towards finding cures as well as treatments.”

You can e-mail us at: hospitals@sundaypost.com