‘Selfless’ hero is stepping down after 30 years
DAVID HUNTLEY talks to a charity founder member about a role that was not just a job, but a mission
AFOUNDING member of a Newcastle children’s charity is saying goodbye after over 30 years of tireless work.
Gill Wheeldon is retiring from The Bubble Foundation after an incredible 32 years in the role. Gill was one of the founding members of the charity, which launched in 1992 to support the work of the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital.
As well as toys and personalised support for the families on the unit, the charity funds cuttingedge medical research projects, which help to transform the lives of babies and children with serious immune conditions. Since launching the charity, Gill has travelled across the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of its work, and her efforts have led to millions of funds raised to support the unit and vital research.
Gill, who worked as a nursery nurse on the unit before starting the charity, said: “It has not only been a job, it has been a mission to raise funds for research to save the lives of these precious children. When I started, six out of 10 babies died and today, through research, nine out of 10 babies survive – but the work continues. Thank you to everyone for your continued support over the years.”
Former patients, family members, trustees and staff came together to celebrate Gill’s retirement at a family day held during World Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) Week in Newcastle. After many years of amazing work, Gill is looking forward to enjoying her retirement in Jersey. Tributes have also been paid to Gill from the charity and former patients.
Boyzlife star Brian McFadden is President of The Bubble Foundation and has known Gill for many years. He said: “What a sad day for us that Gill is retiring but what an amazing woman she is. She has helped so many children and families with her selfless crusade. It’s been an honour to work with you and I’ll be there when they build your statue outside the ward!”
The millions raised have helped to fund world-leading new techniques for children born without an immune system. The conditions are often so severe that even the simplest common
cold virus can be fatal.
But advancements in research over the past three decades means that survival rates for children with severe immune deficiencies have gone from six in 10 dying, to nine in 10 living.
On the unit, known as the ‘Bubble’, the babies and children are looked after in a sterilised bubble of clean air. The Bubble Foundation also finances medical equipment, toys and educational aids and supports the welfare of babies, children and their families.
County Derry based, Olivia McLaughlin’s 13-year-old son Oscar was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition – Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) – when he was seven months old. He underwent a bone marrow transplant at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital and spent five months on the unit. Oscar is now enjoying a healthy childhood.
Olivia said: “Gill is such a warm, supportive person and she helped my family through the most difficult experience imaginable. When you have such a poorly child and you’re away from home for so long, as a parent, it’s nice to have people around you who take care of you. I don’t think Gill realises the huge impact she has on people, she’s a true unsung hero. We are forever indebted to The Bubble Foundation that we have our gorgeous, healthy Oscar.”
The Great North Children’s Hospital is part of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Network of worldwide specialist centres across the world for treating patients with PID.
Gill’s retirement party will take place during World Primary Immunodeficiency Week, which aims to raise awareness of PID in children and babies.