At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe that relationships shape the way children and young people experience care. That’s why the Children’s Choice Award is so special – it’s a heartfelt “thank you” from a child or young person to someone who made a real difference during treatment.
This year’s winner is Dr Mark Davidson, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow – and a man whose compassion, creativity, and commitment have touched hearts far beyond the hospital walls.
Mark was nominated by the parent of a young child who spent time in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Despite the clinical setting, Mark went above and beyond to make the child’s first birthday unforgettable – setting up a room so friends and family could celebrate together. It’s the kind of gesture that turns a hospital into a place of hope.
“We felt Mark’s nomination truly captured the spirit of ‘Children’s Choice’,” said the judging panel. “He’s a shining example of how going above and beyond can make a positively disproportionate difference to a child’s experience in healthcare.”
Mark didn’t just make magic happen in Glasgow – he also worked with the child’s local hospital in Dumfries to help bring care closer to home. It’s this kind of thoughtful, joined-up approach that makes him a role model for professionals across Scotland.
When asked about the award, Mark was modest:
“It makes me feel a bit of a fraud, truth be told. I’m part of an amazing wider team – it really is a team sport. I feel like this award is really for the team.”
Mark’s work spans three major roles: consultant in paediatric intensive care, clinical director of the paediatric cardiac service, and director of Scotland’s only paediatric ECMO service – the most advanced form of life support. But for him, the most fulfilling part is simple:
“It’s the bonds and relationships we strike up and develop over time. Meeting families at their most frightened and being able to reassure and support them – that’s the most rewarding part.”
One moment that stands out for Mark was helping a family take their ventilated baby outside for a walk in the sunshine – something most of us take for granted, but for that family, it was a milestone filled with joy.
“The looks on the parents’ faces were just truly amazing.”
Away from the hospital, Mark is a keen cyclist, a dog-lover (his dog Tilli joins him on hill runs), and a car enthusiast – currently renovating a 1975 MG Midget with his son.
As for the legacy of the award?
“It has to be celebrating the success and dedication of the wider team – and underlining that it’s the small things that matter. Listening, explaining, reassuring at the bedside – that’s what makes the difference.”
Mark, your humility, warmth, and dedication are exactly what this award is all about. From all of us at Children’s Health Scotland – and especially from the child and family who nominated you – congratulations. You’ve made a difference, and we’re proud to celebrate you.
About the Scottish Children’s Health Awards
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards celebrate the people and projects making a real difference in the lives of children and young people living with health conditions. Each award winner is announced during Scottish Children’s Health Week (1–7 September)—a week dedicated to raising awareness of children’s health rights, sharing inspiring stories, and promoting self-management, play, and wellbeing.
Join Us
Be part of the movement to defend children’s health rights. Explore the week’s activities, read more award stories, and share your own messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2025. Whether you’re a parent, professional, young person, or supporter—your voice matters.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week.
Want to Nominate for 2026?
You can nominate now for our 2026 by clicking HERE.
