Invergordon couple help hospital who saved son's life
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Invergordon couple are donating dozens of books to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh as a thank you for treating their son.
Thomas Sim (8 months), who was also born with clubfoot, was airlifted to the hospital twice with severe bronchiolitis.
He has also been undergoing treatment on his foot at the hospital.
His parents John Sim and Kimberley Giles (both 27) captured the hearts of the community as they documented his brave battle on social media.
After deciding to give something back to the hospital for the benefit of other families, they decided to encourage friends to buy children's books.
Now they have handed over £200 worth to staff on the wards.
"I'm so excited to be able to give something back," Miss Giles said.
"I can't believe the generosity of people, first with the GoFundMe to help us stay close to Thomas and now with everyone who's donated books.
"We are overwhelmed by all the help we have had. We are so grateful.
"I just wish we could thank every single person individually and let them know how much of a difference they have made. Instead we have been creative and tried to come up with something that works for everyone.
"The hospital have saved Thomas's life on two occasions.
"Every one of the staff is amazing. They are friendly and supportive and we have so much faith in them."
After several setbacks, the family finally received some good news when Thomas was allowed to be moved in a pair of boots with a bar – the next stage of his treatment.
His parents are now hopeful of being able to mark his first birthday with his first pair of shoes.
"It was such a relief to have some good news, especially in time for Christmas as well," Miss Giles added.
"That's the best present we could have asked for.
"He has to be in it full-time for 12 weeks which would take us up to 11 months old, so we might be cutting it fine for his first birthday.
"But it would be really special if we could get him his first pair of shoes for his birthday. That would be the icing on the cake.
"He's not been able to wear bootees or take him swimming because of the casts he's had to wear. Since he got the boots and bar it's just been amazing to be able to give him baths and normal things like that.
"Throughout it all he's so happy. Considering how much he's been through he is such a happy baby.
"He smiles all the time and has just taken everything in his stride. You wouldn't think he'd been through everything he has."
