At just 17, Caitlin took on the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Not for a medal or a personal best, but for something deeply personal. She chose to run for Children’s Health Scotland, raising an amazing £167 to support children and young people across Scotland.
But this story didn’t begin on race day. It started years earlier, within her own family.
A story rooted in support
Caitlin’s older sister, now 20, was supported by Children’s Health Scotland as a teenager. She was living with chronic hip pain following septic arthritis as an infant, and like many young people, was trying to navigate what that meant for her life. Through our Self-Management programmes, she found support, confidence and a better understanding of her health. Today, she is thriving at university, managing her condition alongside her studies. Caitlin grew up seeing that journey.
And it stayed with her.
Her mum, Helen, wrote to us after the marathon:
“I’m letting you know how proud I am of my 17yr old daughter who ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday in aid of CHS. She raised £167 which is so good. My older daughter who is 20yrs old received a lot of support from yourselves due to chronic hip pain as a result of septic arthritis as an infant. It was a lovely way to give back and I just wanted to share our story with you.”
You can feel the pride in every word.
“I wanted to run to support a charity that’s supported my family.”
That’s what it comes down to. Caitlin’s decision to run came from gratitude and from seeing first hand how much the right support can matter to a young person.
Every mile she ran carried that with it.
What our SMS programmes offer
Caitlin’s sister was supported through our Self-Management programmes, often known as SMS. They are for children and young people aged 9 to 17 who are living with a health condition or concern. Young people do not need to have a formal diagnosis to take part, which is incredibly important because so many are still waiting for answers. Families or professionals can refer, and the programmes are completely free.
SMS creates a space where young people can build confidence, learn how to manage their health, connect with others and understand their rights in a way that feels real to them.
If you know a young person who could benefit you can refer by CLICKING HERE.
A lasting impact
Reflecting on Caitlin’s story, Rhianne Forrest, Officer for Children’s Health Scotland, shared:
“It was so lovely to hear from Caitlin’s family and to hear how well her older sister is doing. That’s exactly what our SMS programmes are all about. Caitlin’s sister was one of the founding members of our Health Rights Defenders and gave so much of her time volunteering with us. It’s because of people like Caitlin, who go the extra mile, literally, that we can continue to provide this free and vital support to families.”
Giving back, one step at a time
What makes this story so special is its simplicity. One daughter received support when she needed it. Years later, her younger sister chose to give something back.
That decision raised £167, but it also did something bigger. It reminded us that the impact of support doesn’t stop when a programme ends. It lives on in families, in confidence and in small acts of kindness that grow into something much bigger.
Thank you, Caitlin
Caitlin, we are so proud of you.
Your determination, your generosity and your reason for doing it all speak to what it means to be a Health Rights Defender.
Because of you, more young people will be supported to understand their health, build confidence and know that their rights matter.
And that really is something worth running for.
This Volunteers Week we are celebrating all our wonderful #HealthRightsDefenders and people like Caitlin who keep charities like ours in the hearts and lives of the families we support.
If you want to raise money for us, you can contact us on fundraising@childrenshealthscotland.org
